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WLA Mentorship Program 

Interested in participating in the 2025-2026 WLA Mentorship Program as a mentor or a mentee?

Are you a library worker who wants to grow your skills alongside another library professional? Do you have experience and insight to share with your peers? We invite you to join our 2025-2026 mentorship community as a mentor or mentee!

You can learn more about the mentorship program in last year's Alki article. WLA will launch the 2025-2026 Mentorship Program on Wednesday, August 27. Applications to become a mentor or a mentee will be due Friday, September 26.

Two teal chat bubbles, one with the WLA logo and the other with three horizontal lines indicating conversation
Goals of this program include creating a valuable experience for members, intentionally connecting with other library workers, and strengthening the profession within Washington. We invite folks in all stages of their library and information related journeys to participate - this includes current library workers, MLIS students, those considering library school, retirees, those switching roles or job duties, and more!

2025-2026 Timeline for Mentorship Program

  • August 27 – Applications welcomed from Mentees and Mentors
  • September 26 – Deadline for Mentee and Mentor applications
  • October 17 – Mentees and Mentors are matched up!
  • October TBA – Mentor/mentee Zoom Orientation
  • November-April – Mentorship meetings
  • May – Evaluation and Feedback

Benefits of mentoring:

  • Mentees: Develop your skills, learn from the best, and build professional relationships.
  • Mentors: Helping develop future leaders, grow your leadership skills, and contribute to the profession.
  • Learn from others’ perspectives and experiences.

Mentee Application

To apply to become a mentor, please complete the mentee application. If you are matched with a mentor, you will be contacted this fall. If you have any questions in the meantime, please contact the WLA Office at [email protected].

Mentor Application

To apply to become a mentor, please complete the mentor application. If you are matched with a mentee, you will be contacted this fall. If you have any questions in the meantime, please contact the WLA Office at [email protected].

Mentor Orientation

 
Documents for Mentors

FAQs

What is the time commitment?

We ask mentor/mentee matches to work together for six months and to meet monthly during that time. There will be a short, self-guided online orientation for both mentors and mentees.

Who can participate?

Any WLA member can request a mentor during the open application period.

When is the open application period?

The mentor and mentee applications are open Aug. 27-Sept. 26 2025.

How are mentors and mentees matched up?

WLA will use the information you provide in your application, including your goals and experience, to find a match that will be mutually beneficial.

What if my mentor and I aren’t a good fit?

Rarely, the mentoring match doesn’t work out. If this happens, the best way to approach it is to first address the issue with the mentor/mentee. If this does not resolve the problem, contact the WLA Office and we will help to resolve the problem.