Members of the Wisconsin Legislature were honored by the Wisconsin Library Association (WLA) at its annual Library Legislative Day gathering on February 20. Representative Mary Felzkowski (R-Irma) was named 2018 WLA Legislator of the Year for her work to secure additional funding for regional technology resources and enhanced public library services in the areas of broadband access, workforce development, and lifelong learning. Felzkowski represents the 35th Assembly district. Three Library Legislative Champions were honored for demonstrating significant support for Wisconsin libraries throughout the 2017-2019 budget process, as well as promoting the Public Library Data and Technology Training Bill now awaiting Governor Walker’s signature. They are 31st Assembly District Representative Amy Loudenbeck (R-Clinton), 34th Assembly District Representative Rob Swearingen (R-Rhinelander) and 24th District Senator Patrick Testin (R-Stevens Point). Assistant Superintendent of Public Instruction Kurt Kiefer from the Division for Libraries and Technology was similarly recognized. Special Recognition Awards were presented to legislative...

Application Deadline Extended for All Awards…due September 15   Honor the innovative and exceptional library services, staff, trustees, and supporters in Wisconsin. Nominate an individual, group, or library for one of the 2017 WLA Awards with the new streamlined application process.   Please visit the WLA Awards & Honors website for a list of awards or see the list below. The criteria, application form, and instructions to apply are listed under each individual award on WLA's web site. Winners will be honored at the WLA Conference during the Awards and Honors Reception.   Questions? Contact Kristen Anderson, Awards and Honors Committee Chair,    WLA 2017 Awards Citation of Merit Conferred upon Wisconsin citizens who are neither librarians nor library trustees, who have made outstanding contributions to quality library services. This award may be given to a group of people or an individual. Library of the Year Award Presented to any...

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The Wisconsin Library Association Announces the Winners of the 2017Literary Award and the Children’s Book Award Winners Nicholas Petrie’s The Drifter as the Literary Award Winner For 2017 The Literary Awards Committee of the Wisconsin Library Association has chosen Nicholas Petrie’s The Drifter as the Literary Award winner for 2017. The award is for the highest literary achievement by a Wisconsin author for a work written in 2016. Nicholas Petrie’s debut novel is an exciting thriller that introduces Peter Ash, an Iraq and Afghanistan veteran, who comes home from the wars with post-traumatic stress and a mission to help a Marine friend’s widow rebuild an old porch at her home. What he finds under there, a mean ugly dog and a suitcase full of cash and explosives, sends him on an adventure through the city of Milwaukee. Petrie combines the usual elements of a suspense mystery novel with insightful reflections on...

The WLA Conference schedule is posted. Reserve your hotel room by September 16 to receive the conference block rate. Registration will be open soon!  - Angela Meyers and Jamie Matczak WLA Publicity Co-Chairs ...