We are proud to highlight our members who commit their time and resources to helping Wisconsin libraries and librarians thrive through their work with the Wisconsin Library Association. Each month, we will be sharing their stories and hope you will be inspired to learn more about our programs or get involved!
Fill out the Lead with WLA form and be connected with other change agents, leaders, and committees that can use what you have to offer.
Eva Stefanski | September 2022
 For which library, institution, or organization are you currently employed? If you are retired, what was your former organization?
Olbrich Botanical Gardens
How many year(s) have you been a member of Wisconsin Library Association?
10 months
What has been your favorite or most impactful function or event of WLA?
I am really appreciating the online AWSL Town Hall meetings. Everyone is friendly and I always learn something and meet someone new. I look forward to them.
How has being a member of WLA impacted you or your career?
Too early to tell. I joined WLA after 20 years in library work, so I guess I'm experimenting to learn how a professional organization can benefit a mid-to-late career professional. I think having new experiences and hearing fresh voices is always good no matter where you are in your career development.
Do you have a library role model (in Wisconsin or elsewhere) that has provided you with inspiration or guidance? Please share a little bit about it.
When the planes hit the World Trade Center in 2001, I was working in my first library job in bibliographic instruction at university library. There I sat in horror and confusion while around me the reference staff got to work. They researched news bites as they came in, translated and compared news reports from other countries, found contact information, and more. Our team knew more about what was going on in the first half hour than most of New York. I called my brother and his family in Brooklyn and broke the news - I couldn't believe I knew before they did. I was so impressed and grateful to be in the room with that group of dedicated, talented people at one of the worst moments in our country's history. That one morning is worth a lifetime of mentors to me.
Do you have any advice for new WLA members?
We all have a lot to learn from each other. Never limit yourself to the perspective of your own library. Be curious and seek out all manner of librarians and information professionals - I guarantee you will learn and grow so much more.
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