Top 3 reasons to go to the Wild Wisconsin Winter Web Conference on January 21 & 22
- It’s free. (Thanks to all 15 of our library systems.)
- It’s made for you. (There are fourteen sessions in four different tracks: Collection Development, Management, Programming and Smorgasbord.)
- Each webinar is worth 1 contact hour for public library certification. (Register for the 15th Annual Wild Wisconsin Winter Web Conference.)
New! Wisconsin Reads Digital Book Club
This is a brand new program from the WPLC. Their Digital Book Club page is just for librarians and includes flyers, an overview handout, a discussion guide, some graphics, and promotional text to help you share the news about Wisconsin Reads and the author event with your community.
- Ebook and digital audiobook available to library users for the period of the digital book club.
- Virtual author interview and Q&A event on Wednesday, March 4th, 2026 at 7:00 pm CT (which will be recorded and available after the event). The event will be hosted by Eric Norton, Community Engagement Librarian at McMillan Memorial Library (Wisconsin Rapids). Registration is here.
2026 Activity Tracker Is Ready to Use
This workbook can be used to track programs and activities throughout the year, and prepare program, activity counts, attendance, and participation for Sections III and XIII of the Annual Report. Visit Wisconsin Public Library Annual Report for more information.
Application deadline for Big Read Grants is coming right up!
The Intent to Apply Deadline is January 15, 2026, and the Full Application Deadline is January 29, 2026. Awards of $5,000 to $20,000 can be used for programming and purchasing books, and tools to support them in working with local partners, developing public relations strategies, and leading meaningful book discussions. Go to the Department of Public Instruction blog for Big Read Grant links and information.
New on the website
- There are some new resources for sharing information about presenters and performers. You can find links and information on the Youth Services page, or direct links to the the form and the Crowd-sourced Presenters List are available in the IFLS Resource Portal under the Patron Services tab in the Youth or Adult Services header.
- The MORE app marketing toolkit has all updated resources.
Library Love Story action step
Please change the link to the Library Love Story form and the graphic on your website’s blurb! If you need help, contact Reb ([email protected]). There’s also a toolkit.
Help shape your professional opportunities: Continuing Ed Topics survey deadline extended
As library systems in Wisconsin plan continuing education offerings for spring 2026–spring 2027, your input is essential. Your feedback helps ensure our trainings reflect the real needs, challenges, and priorities of public library staff locally, regionally, and across the state.
👉 Take the CE Topic Survey by January 20 (deadline extended). Thank you for helping us plan a strong year of learning and professional growth!
BYO popcorn
McIntyre Library is working with UW-Eau Claire’s Aspiring Educators and the College of Health and Human Sciences to sponsor a screening of the documentary The Librarians. The screening will be held:
- UW-Eau Claire Davies Center, Woodland Theatre (3rd floor)
- Thursday, February 19, 2026
- Doors open 5:30 pm
- Opening remarks and panel discussion 6:00 pm
- Film screening 6:30 pm
- Free and open to the public
Posters, social media events/posts to share will be available later in January. McIntyre Library acquired a perpetual license with full public performance rights and they have offered to arrange another time for local library professionals to see the film if there’s interest.
The 2026 Play Make Learn Conference Call for Proposals is OPEN NOW!!!
The Play Make Learn Conference is a place for collaboration and discovery in the design, research and practice of playful learning, games for learning and positive social impact, making and makerspaces, STEAM education, and arts in education. PML creates an inspirational space for preK-12 educators, designers, developers, innovators, librarians, museum professionals, makers, and researchers to tinker together, share knowledge, and celebrate one another’s work.
- July 9-10, 2026 | Madison, WI
- Call for Proposals deadline for submissions: March 9, 2026 at 11:59PM Central
- Notifications sent out: April 2026
- Submit Your Proposal Here: go.wisc.edu/PMLsubmit
We believe that everyone has unique contributions to bring to the conference. PML aspires to foster a learning community that has a diversity of perspectives and practices. Are you a first time presenter, young person, or practitioner considering submitting for Play Make Learn and need additional support? Reach out to our planning team at: [email protected]. Conference theme this year is Scrappiness!
On the IFLS Calendar
We’ve got your Annual Report support!
Annual Reports can be stressful, but if you attend one of these in-person workshops you’ll have time with your peers and away from the library with IFLS staff on hand to answer questions. You might even be able to get it finished while you are at the workshop! Join us for a morning walk through the report with time for questions, and then have supported work time in the afternoon.
- Thursday, January 29, 9:30-3:00, Deer Park Public Library (112 Front Street West, Deer Park WI 54007)
- Friday, January 30, 9:30-3:00, Hawkins Area Library (709 Main Street, Hawkins 54530)
Register here for either session: 2026 Annual Report Workshops – Fill out form
Can’t come to either session? We are working on a recording of a walk-through of the report, as well! Watch for a link coming by early February.