WAPL Conference 2020 Has Been Canceled

We regret to inform you that the 2020 WAPL Conference scheduled for April 29 – May 1, has been canceled due to concerns about COVID-19 (Coronavirus).

This unanimous decision was made by the WLA Board and WAPL leadership in light of the developments over the last few days, including elevated warnings from the CDC and WHO, growing travel restrictions worldwide, and increasing numbers of requested cancellations from presenters.

We are now in the process of evaluating and determining next steps, including whether a rescheduled event may be possible yet this year.

We will reach out as soon as possible with additional information. Our priority now is communicating clearly and to all of you that the 2020 WAPL Conference is canceled. Please contact the WLA office at wla@wisconsinlibraries.org with any questions or concerns.

WAPL Conference Committee
Sherry Machones, WLA President
Plumer Lovelace, WLA Executive Director

Save the Date for WAPL 2020!

The Wisconsin Association of Public Libraries (WAPL) will hold its annual conference April 29 - May 1, 2020 at the Best Western Premier Waterfront Hotel & Conference Center in Oshkosh, WI!

The conference offers all kinds of possibilities for fellowship and professional development.  In addition to a multitude of informational sessions to choose from, WAPL is excited to feature Gail Santy as the opening Keynote Speaker. Gail Santy is a certified 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace trainer and will give you the tools you need to increase performance, morale, and job satisfaction, by showing genuine appreciation for your employees, trustees, and yourself.

If you find you need a break from all the learning, come laugh with (and perhaps at) your fellow librarians while enjoying a lunchtime performance from Oshkosh’s own Backlot Comedy House Improv troupe!

And be sure to leave time in your schedule to catch Friday’s talk and book signing by award-winning author of The Immortalist, Chloe Benjamin!

Additionally, Oshkosh, located on the shores of Lake Winnebago, is a wonderful city to explore.  It is home to the world’s largest aviation event (EAA AirVenture) and country music festival (Country USA), and offers unique museums, galleries, brew pubs, dining and shopping options.

Check out the hotel accommodation page and make your plans to join us at WAPL 2020 in Oshkosh!

The possibilities are endless!

Tracy Vreeke & Leah Gentry

WAPL Conference 2020 Publicity Team

2020 WAPL Conference - Call for Proposals

Now is the time to look past impossibilities and obstacles and focus on possibilities…

We’re looking for library staff who believe in infinite possibilities! The Wisconsin Association of Public Libraries (WAPL) Annual Conference Programming Committee seeks program proposals for the next public library conference to be held April 29 – May 1, 2020 at the Best Western Premier Waterfront Hotel & Conference Center in Oshkosh.

With a theme of Infinite Possibilities, the goal of this year’s conference is that attendees will leave believing that there are infinite possibilities when they are given guidance, encouragement and wisdom. Rather than focusing on impossibilities and weaknesses, we want this conference to be all about possibilities, strengths and strategies to make the most of our work as library staff. We want you to think big picture, but we also want to hear practical and effective strategies, ideas and projects from your corner of the library world that at one time were only “possibilities.”

We encourage small librarians and staff to step up and share how they have led their library by considering possibilities instead of obstacles. We encourage youth and adult services staff to step up and share stories of collaboration and techniques that have led to possibilities in their community. We encourage library directors, trustees, system and support staff, and managers to step up and share how they have turned impossible situations into possibilities despite budget issues, feeling unheard when advocating, building projects, times of uncertainty, and more. We encourage topics such as technology, inclusivity, staffing, fundraising and outreach. We want to continue the important conversation about diversity in staffing, serving, programming and cultivating connections. We encourage library staff and leaders of color to lead these conversations and other programs as well.

Proposals for presentations, panels, workshops and business meetings are welcome. Sessions will run either 45 or 60 minutes in length with a maximum of four presenters.

Please use the Program Proposal Form to submit a program.

Submission deadline is December 31, 2019! 

Acceptance or rejection notifications will take place no later than February 14, 2020.

Please contact us with any questions. We're looking forward to an excellent conference!

WAPL Conference Programming Co-Chairs
Eva Kozerski, Black Creek Village Library
Angie Bodzislaw, Spooner Memorial Library