Thursday, August 03, 2006

Friends of Wisconsin Libraries Join WLA

Members of the Friends of Wisconsin Libraries voted to dissolve FOWL and join forces with the Wisconsin Library Association at their annual meeting earlier this year. The move allows Friends to focus on supporting their local libraries, rather than managing the activities of a statewide organization.

Since 2005, WLA's leaders have been communicating formally with FOWL’s leaders about how such a transition might take place. The Wisconsin Library Trustees Association, a division of WLA, changed their name to Wisconsin Library Trustees & Advocates in 2005, in order to make it clearer that all library supporters were welcome to participate in their activities and leadership positions. The WLA Board adopted reduced membership and conference registration fees for Friends.

As part of WLA, Friends are adding their voices to others who speak up for Wisconsin’s libraries. There is a great deal of potential in this budding relationship. Members are encouraged to post their comments about this recent change and what it might mean for libraries in the state.