WISCONSIN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING Minutes
Thursday, January 13
10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Mission Statement: WLA engages, inspires and advocates for library workers and supporters to improve and promote library services for the people of Wisconsin. 
 
Present:  Rachel Arndt, Desiree Bongers, Jennifer Cook, Carrie Doyle, Kristina Gómez, Linda Jerome, Sherry Machones, Gina Rae, Nyama Reed, Kris Turner, Tracy Vreeke, Laura Sauser.
 
Excused:  Kathy Michaelis, Maureen Olle-LaJoie.
 
Guests:  None.
 
Call to Order 
 
The meeting was called to order and a quorum was established at 10:03 a.m. by President Reed. 
 
Agenda and Minutes
 
The meeting agenda was accepted on a motion by Rae, seconded by Vreeke.  Passed on a unanimous board vote.  Gómez moved, Arndt seconded, to approve the December 2021 minutes.  Motion carried.
 
President’s Report – Nyama Reed 
 
  • WLA Annual Conference Update
    • Net revenue just over $50,00, Tom will have a detailed report in February
  • 2022 Meeting Dates/Locations; at 10:00 a.m. except November 1
    • February 25 – Whitefish Bay Public Library
    • April 29 – Madison Public Library-Central
    • June 17 – Door County (specific location TBD)
    • September 16 – LaCrosse Public Library
    • November 1 – Grand Geneva
    • December 16 – Brown County (specific location TBD)
    • Virtual attendance option available
  • 2022 Board Retreat – February 25; will begin working on a long-term strategic plan
  • WLA Leader Expectations Draft – board agrees it is appropriate handout for leaders
 
ALA Councilor’s Report – Kristina Gómez
 
  • Report
    •  Intellectual Freedom (IF) discussion
      • Should WLA proactively issue a statement on IF?  Should WLA partner with WEMTA and DPI on a statement?
      • WLA has had discussions with WEMTA, DPI, LD&L, and Steve Conway on this issue.
      • Laura, Pete Loeffel, and Steve Conway will meet with Sen. Felzkowski on 1/19.
      • The LD&L committee will meet the morning of 1/28; Laura and Pete will meet with DPI and WEMTA that afternoon.
      • The WLA 2022 legislative priorities address the issue of IF.
      • Fall conference theme is “Rising to the Challenge.”
      • Vreeke moved, Cook seconded, to allow LD&L to create a rapid response team to handle emerging IF issues.  Motion carried.
 
Board Member Profile Activity – Laura Sauser
 
Adjournment:  The meeting adjourned at 11:30 a.m. with full consensus among those in attendance.
 
 
Respectfully submitted,
 
Desiree Bongers
WLA Secretary
 
Included in board packet but not discussed: 
 
Executive Director Report – Laura Sauser