Polk County Board approves library funding
There was an enthusiastic outpouring of community support to the Polk County Board due to the excellent outreach and advocacy work done by Polk County libraries. Well done, and congratulations!
Do you read TWAM?
TWAM is the must-read weekly newsletter for all things MORE. This week included an Item Paging Slips and Check-out reminder, the answer to the rubber band v. tape question (spoiler: it’s rubber bands), and a call for ILS evaluation volunteers. If it’s not coming to your inbox, submit a HelpDesk ticket.
2025 Reading Advisory Council Applications Now Open
From the Wisconsin Libraries for Everyone Blog: The DPI is now accepting applications for the State Superintendent’s Reading Advisory Council. This group is dedicated to strengthening literacy learning and ensuring every student has the opportunity to thrive. The Council focuses on comprehensive literacy, birth through grade 12. The DPI welcomes a wide range of voices, including educators, librarians, students, parents and caregivers, school and district leaders, educator preparation representatives, and other education partners. Council meetings will be held virtually on the second Monday evening of each month, from 4:00-5:30 PM, October 2025 through June 2026.
If you’re interested in contributing to this important effort, please complete the application form by Friday, September 5, 2025. Thank you for considering this opportunity to help shape the future of literacy in Wisconsin.
Coming Up
IFLS will be closed on Labor Day.[editor’s note: we’re rooting for the holiday you’re hoping for.]
Calendar Highlights
Just for trustees
We appreciate our trustees, and created this event just for them. One virtual and two in-person options make it easy for trustees to attend. Questions or comments can go to Leah.
Collection Management Confidence: Confronting Self-Censorship
Friday October 3, 1-2 pm REGISTER HERE With all the big talk about book bans, there’s a quieter dialog happening about library staff self-censorship: the conscious, subconscious, and even self-conscious choices about purchasing, displaying and doing programming with certain titles. This judgement-free webinar will define self-censorship and explore ways to manage fear, bias, and tension as a public librarian today. Presenters: Tessa Michaelson Schmidt, Director, Cooperative Children’s Book Center and Teresa Schmidt, Public Library Administration Consultant, Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.
Opening Up About a Quiet Practice: Self-Censorship in Collection Development
Thursday October 9, 1:00-2:15 pm REGISTER HERE Join librarians from around the IFLS region for an honest look at an important issue in librarianship from the perspective of your colleagues on the ground. Presenters are Jennifer Cook, Library Services Instructor, Chippewa Valley Technical College; Monica LaVold, Director, New Richmond Public Library; Rebecca Puhl, Director, Phillips Public Library; Laura Turpin, Youth Services Librarian, St. Croix Falls Public Library
Details in the calendar. In addition: Watch for opportunities to discuss this topic with your colleagues!