Wisconsin Valley Library Service

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

15

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

The annual conferences

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

I started at the Nicolet Federated Library System in 2006 as a library transplant, not knowing much about library systems, librarians or WLA. I was asked to serve on the WLA Conference Committee in 2007.  Serving on this committee was career-changing and opened so many doors for me. It also helped me to build confidence in myself. By serving on this committee, I learned more about WLA, libraries, library systems, and met amazing people who I am still friends with to this day!

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.

There are many!  Marla Sepnafski (WVLS), Marge Loch-Wouters (Retired Youth Services Manager), Elizabeth Timmins (Muehl Public Library in Seymour), Leah Langby (IFLS Library System), Jean Anderson (South Central Library System), to name a few. They all have so much experience, words of wisdom, and knowledge. I lean on them and learn from them frequently!

Do you have any advice for new WLA members?

Get involved!  If you are asked to serve on a conference committee, do it. Even if you are unable to commit to that, volunteer for a smaller role during a conference, such as a room monitor or wayfinder. Be a mentor in its Mentorship Program. Keep up on the newsletters and what is happening. Being involved in WLA is a great way to build your professional capital and meet great people.