Welcome!

The Wisconsin Library Association engages, inspires and advocates for library workers and supporters to improve and promote library services for the people of Wisconsin. By your membership and involvement in the Wisconsin Library Association, you impact your library and your community as you engage, inspire and advocate for library workers and supporters throughout our great state. We encourage members to become involved with any one of our many units - member participation and engagement is vital to supporting and promoting WLA's mission. Join us!

BECOME A MEMBER TODAY

WAPL Survey

The Wisconsin Association of Public Libraries connects public librarians, support staff, trustees, and friends of libraries across the state — helping each other grow professionally, talking through shared challenges, and working together on the issues that matter to public libraries. We’re excited about the year ahead, and we want to hear from you. What can WAPL do to better support Wisconsin librarians — to make your job a little easier, connect you with resources, help you feel less alone in the work, or make your membership feel more valuable?

Tell us in this short survey. Your input will help shape what WAPL does next, and we’re grateful for it.

WAPL Feedback Survey.

Intellectual Freedom Legislative Updates

Learn more here

Sustainable Libraries Initiative

The Wisconsin Library Association is now an official partner of the Sustainable Libraries Initiative (SLI)—a national organization dedicated to helping libraries lead in sustainability, resilience, and community impact. This partnership connects Wisconsin libraries to a growing national movement and provides you with practical tools to turn your values into action in your library and community. As a WLA member, you now have access to a range of exclusive benefits:

One free year of SLI membership
WLA members who opt in receive a full year of SLI membership at no cost.

Access to tools, resources, and best practices
You’ll gain access to a robust library of sustainability resources.

Professional development & learning opportunities
Explore recorded trainings, webinars, and continuing education focused on sustainability, leadership, and community resilience.

A national community of practice
Join a network of library professionals across the country who are working together to address climate challenges and strengthen their communities.

Discounted certification program
Receive a 20% discount on the Sustainable Library Certification Program (SLCP), or 25% off for cohorts of five or more, helping your library build a structured, impactful sustainability plan.

Learn more with our WLA Partnership Dashboard or by reaching out to [email protected].

Civic Health Challenge

Libraries are essential spaces for civic engagement, informed dialogue, and community connection—which is why the Wisconsin Library Association is proud to be a partner in Wisconsin's Civic Health Initiative.

This August, join the Civic Health Challenge, a month-long series of free virtual trainings and individual activities designed to strengthen community engagement, shared problem-solving, and democracy across Wisconsin. Whether you're a library worker, trustee, advocate, or community member, you'll gain practical tools and ideas you can bring back to your community.

Learn more and sign up today: https://bit.ly/2026WICivicHealth

Together, we can help build stronger, more connected communities through the power of civic participation.

LDI Graduation

Congratulations to the 2025–2026 Leadership Development Institute (LDI) class on completing an incredible year of learning, growth, and connection!

Last week, LDI participants, presenters, Planning Committee members, and WLA Board members gathered at the Portage County Library to celebrate the graduates and recognize their commitment to developing their leadership skills in service to Wisconsin libraries and communities.

Throughout the year, these emerging leaders explored topics ranging from communication and collaboration to advocacy and decision-making, building relationships and gaining tools they can bring back to their libraries and organizations.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this year's program a success, including our instructors, mentors, supervisors, and the Portage County Library for hosting our graduation celebration.

Please join us in congratulating the newest LDI graduates! We can't wait to see the impact you'll continue to make across Wisconsin's library community.

Member Spotlight

We are proud to highlight our members who make WLA a vibrant community. Each quarter, we will be sharing their stories! We hope the spotlights will showcase the many paths, personalities, and passions that make Wisconsin’s library community special.

Patrick Leeport, from the UW Madison iSchool is our latest Member Spotlight.