For which library, institution, or organization are you currently employed?

Lester Public Library—Two Rivers, WI

How many year(s) have you been a member of Wisconsin Library Association?

26

What has been your favorite or most impactful function or event of WLA?

WLA Annual Conference

How has being a member of WLA impacted you or your career?

Becoming a member of WLA has had a profound impact on both my career and my personal growth as a librarian. I didn’t initially pursue a career in librarianship, so I often reflect on how being part of WLA helped me discover my true calling. Not only did WLA help me earn my MLIS with an incredible scholarship from the annual awards committee, but it also gave me the opportunity to connect with other librarians, learn about their challenges, and celebrate their successes. The workshops and conferences have been especially influential, encouraging me to dream bigger and try new things.

For example, after attending a workshop with Marge Loch-Wouters, I completely redesigned our summer reading program, resulting in significantly greater participation. My work with teens has been invigorated by conversations with colleagues like Linda Jerome during YSS meetings, and working with Leah Langby on various committees consistently helps me see the bigger picture. One of my proudest achievements is the strong Reach Out and Read program in my community, which was inspired by a conference session I attended in 2014. Honestly, I could name countless other amazing librarians that have inspired me throughout my career.

WLA has truly broadened my perspective, offering me new ideas, a sense of community, and the confidence to make meaningful changes in my library. I’m grateful for the opportunities it has provided to grow both professionally and personally.

Do you have a library role model (in Wisconsin or elsewhere) that has provided you with inspiration or guidance? Please share a little bit about it.

I’m deeply inspired by my library director, Jeff Dawson. When he was hired, our library was in need of direction, and his enthusiasm for both the work we were already doing and the possibilities for the future completely transformed our approach. His deep understanding of what libraries can and should be has been invaluable. Jeff encourages us to constantly evaluate what’s working and what’s not, always pushing us to think critically and adapt. I really appreciate his willingness to challenge tradition and not be bound by ‘what we’ve always done.’ His openness to experimentation and his resilience in the face of setbacks have been key to helping our library become a truly beloved part of our community.

Do you have any advice for new WLA members?

Absolutely! My advice for new WLA members is to get involved. It's easy to get caught in the confines of your own silo—whether it's related to your building, programming, specific staff, or geographic area. You may start to feel like you've already seen what everyone else is doing and you don't have the time or energy to add anything new or that you don't have anything to add to the conversation. But when you take the initiative to engage with others outside your immediate sphere, you'll open yourself up to a broader range of ideas and approaches. This not only enhances your perspective but also helps build connections that can enrich both your professional growth and the community you're a part of.