WLA Mission

The Washington Library Association leads, advocates, educates, and connects.


Get #WLA2024 Virtual Access!

Virtual registration is still available for the WLA 2024 Conference! Register todayVirtual conference highlights include:

  • Virtual content available to all attendees to watch on demand through May 2, 2024.
  • User-friendly app to help you access recordings and materials, build your schedule, find new connections, and participate in community discussions.

Our annual conference facilitates unique opportunities for innovation and collaboration between Academic, Public, School, and Special libraries across the state. Our Conference Committee has designed this conference for library professionals of all job roles, from all types of libraries, and at all career stages. You'll leave with connections, ideas, and information to put into action.


 Announcing the 2024 WLA Pawsident - Chewy!

WLA Paswident winner, Chewy

The results are in! Chewy has been elected as the 2024 WLA Pawsident. It was an exciting race with bark-to-bark donations at the last moment, but Chewy secured the lead with a total of $735 raised.

Give all of our nominees and generous donors a round of a-paws for the success they fetched in this fundraiser - you all raised the woof by raising a total of $2800 for our ongoing #SupportWALibraries fundraising, which assists with WLA scholarships, member services, and more. 

Stay tuned for 2024 WLA Pawsident merchandise to be added in the WLA store!

We hope you'll join us in Spokane as we recognize Chewy at #WLA2024.


K12Librarians4AllWA Campaign

" "Washington schools need Teacher Librarians!

All Washington K-12 students deserve access to a strong school library program with a qualified Teacher Librarian. We believe all Washington students deserve access to strong school library programs directed by qualified Teacher Librarians. Decades of research confirm that students with strong school library programs and qualified Teacher Librarians have better educational outcomes and are more prepared for post-secondary education. This is especially true for students who experience poverty or other risk factors. However, school library programs in Washington are currently not equitably distributed, with those most in need of strong school libraries having the least access to them.  

We hope you use this website to learn about the importance of all school libraries for Washington students.  Join us in urging Washington State elected officials to support school library programs for all Washington students.

 


Celebration of life for Candy Morgan

It is with a heavy heart that we pass along the news of the passing of Candy Morgan on December 16, 2023.
Celebration of life of Candy Morgan
Candy was a force in the library community, both locally and the national level. She came to Oregon in 1977 and worked at the State Library and ended her career at FVRLibraries - Fort Vancouver Regional Library District with her retirement in 2004. She then took on the role of educator and taught for many years in the Emporia SLIM program.
She actively worked on intellectual freedom and first amendment issues with ALA and the Freedom to Read Foundation. WLA will continue to honor Candy with her namesake merit award: The Candace Morgan Intellectual Freedom Award.
Candy was a fierce advocate for first amendment rights and a defender of intellectual freedom throughout her career. She was an educator, mentor, and friend to many of us.

Memorial contributions in Candy’s honor may be made to:
2. Fort Vancouver Regional Library Foundation (https://fvrlfoundation.org/how-to-contribute/)
3. Freedom to Read Foundation (https://www.ftrf.org/page/Donate)
A Celebration of Life program and buffet will be held February 18th, 2024, 2-5 PM at Willamette View Retirement community, The Blue Heron Auditorium, 12705 SE River Road, Portland.

If you are planning to attend, please RSVP by emailing Candy's daughter, Cheryl or by adding your name to this document.
Her family has created a message board to share memories. Please visit http://tinyurl.com/y4xdvd4r if you would like to add any special messages.

Statement on Intellectual Freedom and the Freedom to Read

The Washington Library Association has released an updated Statement on Intellectual Freedom and the Freedom to Read. Read the statement in full on WLA's Intellectual Freedom Section (IFS) site, and explore other free resources related to intellectual freedom and freedom from censorship.

Want to become a member of IFS? Joining the section is free with WLA membership. Add the section to your existing membership or request to join by contacting the WLA Office.


WLA Statement on Anti-Racism

The Washington Library Association decries the brutality Black communities experience from those charged to protect and serve. Libraries are providers of vital resources for historically underserved communities, and this work has never been more important than it is now. We are responsible for continuing to do this difficult, sometimes painful work that demands we address our biases and how they impact our ability to serve our communities equitably. We urge library professionals across Washington to fight for Black lives, actively oppose systemic oppression and police brutality, and prioritize anti-racism in all that we do. The WLA Board is committed to doing this anti-racist work within our association. To be silent is to be complicit.

For resources regarding anti-racism, click here.

Are you seeking leadership experience? Looking to meet new people in the library field? Passionate about advocacy for libraries and library professionals? You've come to the right place! Whether you're a longtime member or new to the association, WLA invites you to throw your hat into the ring for a leadership position in 2024. There are many opportunities to get involved. Self-nominations are welcome.

Explore the variety of leadership roles that WLA has to offer, below.