WLA Mission
The Washington Library Association leads, advocates, educates, and connects.
WLA Scholarship Application Now Open
Applications for the 2023-2024 WLA Scholarship cycle are now open! WLA scholarships are for members to use toward degrees, certificates, or graduate-level studies, as well as conferences, workshops, or educational events!
Learn more about the scholarships available and submit your application here! Applicants must be individual Washington Library Association members. Applications will close June 30, and winners will be notified by Aug. 31.
If you have any questions about scholarships, please contact the WLA Office.
Library Card Catalog Online Auction
You asked about it at conference, now here it is - The WLA Library Card Catalog Auction! If you weren't in attendance at #WLA2023, never fear. You can bid too!
Bidding opens Wednesday, May 17, 9 am PDT and closes Thursday, May 25, 8 pm PDT.
This beautiful midcentury library card catalog is converted to a table 30" high x 33" wide x 17" deep. Height includes 16" steel hairpin legs. Bidding starts at $200. Catalog originally from the University of Washington campus. All proceeds benefit the Washington Library Association, a 501(c)3 non profit.
Delivery may be arranged at no charge within Seattle or up to 50 miles from catalog location in North Seattle. If delivery is needed outside of 50 miles, winning bidder will have to make arrangements at their own expense. Legs can be removed for ease of transport. For more information related to delivery or pick up, or any other questions, email [email protected].
To learn more, visit the library card catalog auction page.
WLA Book Awards Voting Now Open
Voting is now open for all four 2023 WLA Book Awards. Please have votes submitted by Friday, May 26. Learn more about the WLA Book Awards here.
If you have any questions about voting, please contact the WLA Office.
Get #WLA2023 Virtual Access!
Virtual registration is still available for the WLA 2023 Conference! Register today! Virtual conference highlights include:
- Virtual content available to all attendees to watch on demand through June 2023.
- User-friendly app to help you access recordings and materials, build your schedule, find new connections, and participate in community discussions.
- Recorded Keynote sessions featuring:
- "Celebrating Washington's Tribal Libraries" with Jennifer Himmelreich (Diné), Institute of Museum & Library Services; Mandi Harris (Cherokee Nation), UW iSchool; Patricia Cutright (Lakota), Dean of Libraries Emeritus, Central Washington University; and Rena Priest (Lummi Nation), Washington State Poet Laureate
- ScLD and CAYAS Author Breakfast with Aiden Thomas
- 2023 WLA Awards Lunch
- "The Right to Read – Conversations on Censorship" with Shaun David Hutchinson (We Are the Ants, Brave Face); Barbara Stripling, Past President, Freedom to Read Foundation; Gavin Downing, Teacher Librarian, Cedar Heights Middle School, Kent School District; Kim Cassetto, Teacher Librarian, Walla Walla High School; and Arin Iverson and Ava Kirtley, Students at Walla Walla High School
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.
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.
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.
