WRLS Events & Continuing Education Calendar

 

 

February 2025

Why is the Librarian Paid Less Than Anyone Else?

Thursday, February 20- 9am-12pm 

Winding Rivers Library System headquarters (West Salem)

Asking for a raise is not easy. Listen to the harrowing journey of a plucky, small-town Library Director who asked, was approved, was denied, was devastated, and then was determined to prove her worth so that she would not get denied again. Hopefully, you will get inspired to stand up for more than just your patrons, and begin to stand up for yourself.

Digital Resources Refresher

Thursday, February 20- 1pm-3pm 

Winding Rivers Library System headquarters (West Salem)

Need a refresher on what Badgerlink has to offer?  We will walk through the different digital resources WRLS has to offer.

 

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March 2025

Giving Great Service

Thursday, March 20- 9am-12pm

Winding Rivers Library System headquarters (West Salem)

Proving great customer service in any business is no longer a “nice to have.” It’s a MUST have. Given that libraries put their customers first, they have an incredible opportunity to shine when it comes to giving the best service possible at every interaction.  In this workshop, attendees will learn:

• Tips on assessing and improving your library’s commitment to great service
• How to deliver and measure great service
• The role of work culture in providing customer service
• What to do when service fails

Attendees will be asked to share examples of how they currently provide great service, as well as develop an action plan at the end of the workshop.

 

 

CCBC Event- Great New Books for Children and Teens

Thursday, March 27- 9am-3pm 

Brewster Public Library, Richland Center

This will be a Great New Books for Children and Teens Collaborative Cooperative Children’s Book Center (CCBC) event with Winding Rivers Library System and Southwest  Library System. CCBC librarians will highlight some of the books in CCBC Choices 2024, the most recent edition of the library’s best-of-the-year list and the workshop will include a facilitated intellectual freedom discussion with the CCBC. 

 

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April 2025

Spring Sustainability Bus Tour

Thursday, April 17- 730am-530pm

Leaving from Winding Rivers Library System headquarters (West Salem)

The Spring 2025 Sustainability Bus Tour will be a great opportunity to see and learn about how your library can transition to clean energy; truly embracing the recently added core value of sustainability to our library profession. On the bus we will enjoy a relaxed conversation with an expert in the field of solar from Ethos Green Power Coop who will be a great resource, guide, and question-answerer! We will then arrive in Deerfield, WI to tour solar canopies from the Couillard Solar Foundation and to learn more about ways we can make our libraries disaster resilient hubs from Jackie Harrison-Jewell. Before lunch, we will be visiting the 2018 Library of the Year, the Milton Public Library and see their expansive Story Garden. After lunch, we will be visiting the Oregon Public Library and see the ways they have incorporated sustainable practices into their building and beyond. You will come away with resources and inspiration. Feel free to invite those of your teams (such as board members, village staff, etc.) who might benefit from hearing this information and getting an understanding about how the process works. Come and learn with us! Contact Jessica@wrlsweb.org 608-709-0588 with any questions!

 

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May 2025

Promoting AI Literacy in the Library

Thursday, May 15- 9am-12pm

Winding Rivers Library System headquarters (West Salem)

Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI) programs like ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot are reshaping our information landscape. Librarians should help their communities understand how these technologies work and how to use them responsibily. This workshop will an introduction to GAI tools, highlighting their practical uses and limitations, as well as the ethical questions they raise. It will also explore ways to foster AI literacy in your library, including classes and programs. Lastly, attendees will get to try some AI tools on their own. Led by Jodi Pierre, Research and Instruction Librarian, UW-Green Bay.

 

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September 2025

Harm Reduction Workshop

Thursday, September 25, 1-4pm

Winding Rivers Library System headquarters (West Salem)

Join the WI Department of Health’s Harm Reduction Team for a workshop about harm reduction, creating safe spaces in libraries, de-escalation techniques, and community resources. 

 

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October 2025

Reference Ready: Helping Every Patron

Tuesday, October 14 1230pm-230pm

Onalaska Public Library

New to answering reference questions, nervous about your skills or just need a refresher? This workshop will give library staff practical tools and strategies to confidently handle patron questions, connect users with the right resources, and strengthen everyday reference interactions.

 

Games-based Programming in the Library

Thursday, October 23 9am-12pm

Winding Rivers Library System headquarters (West Salem)

This workshop will offer you insights into running games-based programming at your library, including Tabletop Roleplaying Gaming (TTRGs), board games, and other affinity programming.  Offering games-based programming supports literacy, strategic thinking, and social development while fostering a welcoming environment for all ages.  By embracing games like Dungeons & Dragons, librarians can engage patrons in fun, educational experiences that build community and support library goals. Come on and roll for adventure!

Using Creativebug for Library Programs

Thursday, October 23 1-4pm

Winding Rivers Library System headquarters (West Salem)

Discover how to bring fresh creativity to your library’s programs with Creativebug, a database of high-quality, on-demand arts and crafts classes.  In this session, you’ll learn how to integrate Creativebug into in-person and virtual programs for all ages, from DIY craft nights and teen maker clubs to adult enrichment classes. We’ll share tips for promoting the resource, pairing it with hands-on activities, and using it to spark community engagement- all while saving staff time on program prep.  Prepare to get crafty!  Turn your library into a creativity hub- learn how to use Creativebug to power fun, hands-on-programs for all ages!

 

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November 2025

Summer Program Planning Workshop

Thursday, November 20, 9am-3pm

Winding Rivers Library System headquarters (West Salem)

A day for library staff serving youth to learn and plan for the best summer event at your library!  In the morning, we have Elevating Experiences: Music-Based Approaches for Staff Serving Youth with Life in Harmony Music Therapy, LLC.  Are you passionate about serving the youth in your community? Do you want to provide early literacy offerings that not only educate children and families but also keep them engaged? Have you used music within early literacy offerings, but felt it didn’t go well or you are self-conscious about it? If so, this training is perfect for you! As board-certified music therapists, Life in Harmony is trained in tailoring music experiences and is excited to help mold your confidence and capacity in using music-based approaches with your youth programming! You’ll learn about the “why” behind using music as a learning tool with young children and how to incorporate the different facets of music within storytelling and in collaboration with literacy tools. Chants, rhymes, singing, movement to music, and instrument play will be a part of this workshop. No prior music experience necessary as we learn together in a safe and judgment-free environment! In the afternoon, we have General Planning for your Summer Program. We’ll cover promotion, kick-off, reading challenges, and programming ideas! WRLS will provide lunch!

 

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December 2025

Libby Skills Workshop

Thursday, December 18th 9am-12pm

Winding Rivers Library System headquarters (West Salem)

Join Kalya Mathson for a practical and engaging workshop designed to help library workers confidently assist patrons with the Libby app.  Whether you’re just getting started or looking to sharpen your skills, this session will walk you through the most efficient ways to teach patrons how to navigate Libby.  You’ll also get a sneak peek at new and upcoming features, learn about resources available through the Wisconsin Public Library Consortium (WPLC), and have plenty of time for questions.  Walk away with ready-to-use tips, talking points, and troubleshooting tricks that will make your Libby support easier and more effective.