Preconference Sessions — Thursday, April 16
Kick off your conference experience with in‑depth, hands‑on learning! Two preconference sessions are available this year, offering both full‑day and afternoon options. These sessions can be added during registration—simply navigate to the Add On Events section on the second page of the conference registration form to make your selection.
Full‑Day Preconference
Tabletop Role‑Playing Game Showcase & Tabletop Taste Test
Presenter: Claire Imamura, Sara White, Vicki Franklin, Mary Lubbers, Haley Cole, Russell Roe, Hannah Tauriainen, Kaitlyn Severais, and Tien Triggs
Time: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM (7.5 hours)
Pricing: Free to all
For the past two years, libraries around Washington have been implementing creative and innovative Tabletop Role-Playing Game (TTRPG) programs and services using Washington State Library funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Join this full day showcase to learn about the value of TTRPGs in libraries, hear from library staff who are using them with their communities, and experience the joy of collaborative storytelling games. Participants will gain the knowledge and inspiration to bring the magic of Tabletop Role-Playing Games back to their own communities or expand and level-up existing services in exciting new ways.
We'll have presentations in the morning and time to play games in the afternoon! There will be a break for lunch on your own from around noon to 1 pm. Everyone is welcome to come for all or part of the preconference session!
Afternoon Preconference
“Yes, let's do this!” and “Ugh, no. Do I have to?”: Creating GenAI Literacy Programs for Your Community
Presenter: Stacey Wedlake & Jason Young
Time: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM (3 hours)
Pricing: Free to all
Join an engaging session on developing effective and accessible GenAI literacy programming for your community—whether they’re enthusiastic or hesitant about new technologies.
How to Register:
Both preconference sessions are available as Add-On Events within the conference registration form. After starting your registration, go to page two and select the session(s) you’d like to attend.
For questions or day-of needs for pre-conference sessions, contact: [email protected]
Special Libraries Division Tours
The WLA Special Libraries Division invites you to meet and learn about the unique library and archives work being done in the Yakima Valley. If you are in the area on Thursday and not attending a pre-conference session, join us at one or all of the touring locations below. Check out the WLA Conference 2026 Discord channel for a rideshare or just drop in at the tour times specified below:
McAllister Museum of Aviation - 11:00 AM-12:00 PM
2008 S. 16th Avenue
Yakima, WA 98903
https://mcallistermuseum.org/
Charlie and his brother Alister were known as the “Wright Brothers of Yakima Aviation.” The McAllister Museum of Aviation was formed after Charlie, the owner of McAllister Flying Service passed in 1999. The museum houses a remarkable collection of memorabilia and an amazing library pertinent to aviation. It is small, uncatalogued and well organized; but definitely worth a look!
Break for lunch - 12:00 PM-1:30 PM
Location TBD – check the WLA Conference 2026 Discord channel for details under Special Libraries Division
Yakima Valley Historical Museum - 1:30 PM-2:30 PM
2105 Tieton Drive
Yakima, WA 98902
https://yvmuseum.org/exhibits/william-o-douglas
Archive library features papers of William O. Douglas, former Yakima resident & environmentalist. Exhibit reconstructs his Washington D.C. office during his service as Supreme Court Justice.
Yakima Valley Genealogical Society - 2:45 PM-4 PM
1901 S. 12th Avenue
Union Gap, WA 9803-1256
https://www.yvgs.net/
Large special library with plenty of space to work and research. Check out the website for collections and services.
NOTE: There will be a yard sale fundraiser in their parking lot so parking at the Colonial Lawn and Garden center next door may be an option.
For questions or day-of needs for tours, contact:
Shawn Schollmeyer
[email protected]
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