The Spring Delivery Study is next week, April 13-17!
Everything you need is in the detailed email sent by Katelyn Dubiel on Wednesday.
MORE poster update
from Reb The 2024 MORE poster for public audiences (it’s orange( has an expired QR code. Rather than printing brand new posters, here’s a sticker you can print to replace the old QR code. If you want Reb to print one and send it through courier, submit a HelpDesk ticket, or just email Reb.
WiLS Ideas to Action Fund application period is open
from WiLS Grants of up to $5,000 to libraries and cultural organizations with innovative, collaborative proposals. Submit proposals by Friday, June 5. Details on the Ideas to Action Fund website
Recently added to the website: more detailed application guidance. In addition, WiLS will be holding a virtual Q&A session on Thursday, April 23rd, at 1:00 pm CT. Register to attend and learn more about the qualities of a strong proposal, and have the opportunity to ask general and specific questions about the application process.
Somerset Public Library, D.R. Moon Memorial Library in Stanley, and the CVTC library have all been grant recipients.
2026 WLA Conference call for proposals
from WLA This year’s theme is “Rooted in Community,” and will be Oct 20-23 in Middleton, WI. WLA is looking for session proposals for presentations, panels, and workshops from all library types and organizations, across departments and roles at every level, and from people of all backgrounds.
Presenting at WLA is a chance to grow professionally, expand your network, and share your work with colleagues across Wisconsin. You’ll build confidence, strengthen your résumé, and spark conversations that help libraries learn from one another. Whether you’re a seasoned presenter or trying it for the first time, your experiences can make a meaningful impact on our library community.
Please submit your proposal by 5 p.m. CST on Friday, May 9: https://rebrand.ly/jgqptqj
(NOTE FROM IFLS: We’re here to help! If you’re considering presenting and would like some guidance or advice, please submit a HelpDesk ticket!)
Expanding Horizons traveling LGBT+ exhibit
from John, Leah, Cecelia Expanding Horizons inspires individuals to learn about and celebrate LGBT+ heritage. Vince Tripi shared information about travelling exhibits at a system director meeting attended by John. They would like to work with libraries to get exhibits all over the region, and SCLS should be able to deliver to us. Leah saw the panels in person at WAPL and liked them.
Hop over to their website for a wealth of information, including resources, descriptions, and pictures, as well as how to host one of their traveling exhibits.
Leah and Cecelia highly recommend that you have your display policies up to date before you bring in a high-visibility exhibit like this. Here’s where to start:
- The Policy of the Month Club covered this in February: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/WIDPI/bulletins/4083b51
- The IFLS Intellectual Freedom and Challenge Support page has some resources and policy examples as well: https://iflsweb.org/knowledge-base/challenge-support-intellectual-freedom-resources
Promoting Access at the Public Library recorded webinar
from Leah Make the most of your TeachingBooks for Libraries access (via BadgerLink, Wisconsin’s online library) with tips and tricks for promoting the site to your library patrons. Explore resources that can be easily included in patron interactions and programs, increase staff awareness of time-saving tools, and bring reading to life in your community. Watch the recorded 22-minute webinar.
WiLSWorld Shorts
from WiLS You’re invited to a very special WiLSWorld Shorts, featuring Kirsten Cappy, Executive Director of I’m Your Neighbor Books, on Friday, April 17th at 1:00 pm CT!
In this time of unbelonging for our Immigrant and New Generation communities, how do we build belonging for all of our communities? The nonprofit I’m Your Neighbor Books utilizes SEL tenets and the immigrant characters in K-12 books to help readers explore their place in the world and their responsibility for making this nation less “unkind.” Including recommendations for books that address detention, deportation, and the healing power of families, Executive Director Kirsten Cappy will share the free and grant-supported resources I’m Your Neighbor Books offers. With books in our hands, this nonprofit feels we can find a way to “be more human.”
To register, please use this link. Can’t attend live? Register to receive a link to the recording. For questions, please email us at [email protected]
Coming Up at IFLS
Just added: Director Check-in and New Libraries, Shared Spaces
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Library Director Check-In, April 17, 10-11 am (Register) Join us for a discussion about behavior challenges, procedures, and policies in your library. We’ll have time to discuss trends you are seeing in your space, as well as talk through some things that have worked for you with regard to staffing and staff training, environmental changes, signage, and policies and procedures to support the behavior you want to see in your space. As usual, we’ll also have some time for sharing off-topic questions or concerns at the end.
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New Libraries, Shared Spaces: Developing Mixed-Use Library Facilities, Thursday, May 28, 2 – 3 pm Webinar from Wisconsin Libraries Buildings & Spaces Project (Register) The North Shore Library and the New Richmond Community Library have recently opened new buildings. Both are mixed-use facilities, sharing space with residential units and retail businesses. Library directors Rhonda Gould (North Shore Library) and Monica LaVold (New Richmond Community Library) will discuss the process of developing a mixed-use facility, the agreements required, and the challenges they encountered—plus, you’ll get a peek inside the new spaces.
IFLS Mini-Conference: save the date!
from Leah Mark your calendars for an all-library mini-conference! It’s designed for all staff and directors, and we are holding it twice to make it easier to attend. We’ll have:
- Hands-on opening session about AI and public libraries with Crystal Trice
- Break-out sessions with Wisconsin colleagues
- Free-wheeling discussion opportunities
- Hands-on closing session about communication styles with Crystal Trice
Mark your calendars now: September 24 in Eau Claire and September 25 in Rice Lake! More info coming this summer!