April -2023-Alicia Woodland

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!

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Alicia Woodland | April 2023

For which library, institution, or organization are you currently employed? If you are retired, what was your former organization?
McMillan Memorial Library (Wisconsin Rapids)

How many year(s) have you been a member of Wisconsin Library Association?
10 years

What has been your favorite or most impactful function or event of WLA?
I loved the 2019 WLA conference at the Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells. I saw old friends and made new friends. I really enjoyed the facility and the professional development offerings at this WLA annual. It was a fun learning experience that I hope to repeat in the future.

How has being a member of WLA impacted you or your career?
I have grown exponentially as a librarian since joining WLA. From joining the WLA Leadership development institute to my involvement with WI Teen Librarian Zoom meet-up, WLA has helped me broaden my experience as a professional and be a Teen librarian on the cutting edge of cool for my teens.

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.
I have a Teen Librarian from my home state of Ohio whom I call my Sensei. He is very shy and embarrassed when I do so, but he is the person who gave me very simple advice on serving teens "ask them". So, I try not to assume I know what my kids want or what someone else tells me they are into, I just ask my kids what they want to do and build my programming and services around their responses.

I suggest you do what you used to do in Kindergarten. Make friends the easy way. Offer your friendship. Be a mentor to those who are younger or less experienced than you and look for a mentor from someone who has more experience than you. My personal Sensei is one year older than me but I am very blessed to have someone who will tell me hard truths and call me out on things I need to reconsider.
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