Interior of the Wisconsin state capital in Madison.
Posted on behalf of Liz Suelzer.
On Tuesday, February 11, 2025, I had the privilege of participating in Library Legislative Day,
organized by the Wisconsin Library Association. This was my first time attending such an event, and I wanted to share my experience to inform others who might have the opportunity to participate in similar events. I participated in this event because I’m a trustee on the West Allis Public Library Board and the Milwaukee County Federated Library System (MCFLS) Board.
I rode a bus to the capital with over 35 librarians, library directors and library friends from the
MCFLS and Bridges library systems. At the capital, there were over 200 attendees from all over the state, including a group of library students from UW Madison.
MCFLS and Bridges library systems. At the capital, there were over 200 attendees from all over the state, including a group of library students from UW Madison.
Governor Evers making the rounds at the opening meeting.
The day began with speeches from Governor Tony Evers, State Superintendent Jill Underly, and other state leaders. The speakers all shared how libraries have impacted their lives. Governor Evers reaffirmed 2025 as the “Year of the Kid” and spoke about how libraries are essential spaces for children and families to access information, computers, and programs. He also vowed to veto any law banning content from libraries, which received applause.
WLA organized the schedule of meetings for the day, and attendees were scheduled to meet
with legislatures from their district. WLA provided us with information packets to give to our
legislatures that included infographics and talking points about libraries. There were between 2-5 attendees at each 20-minute meeting. We took turns sharing stories about how our libraries impact our communities directly and the value of libraries. Our major ask to the legislatures was that the next budget have sustained or increased funding for public library systems in the next biannual budget. We heard that the budget process will be contentious, but it was great to see bipartisan support for public libraries.
As a resident of West Allis and a board member of the West Allis Public Library, I was assigned to meet with Senator Rob Hutton and Representative Angelito Tenorio. I met with staff from Sen. Hutton’s office, and I got to meet with Representative Angelito Tenorio and his chief of staff. Rep. Tenorio served on the West Allis Public Library Board with me a few years ago and has a good understanding of libraries. I’m glad he’s representing my district in Madison.
If you come across opportunities like this, I encourage you to consider signing up. WLA
provided me with everything I needed to have a successful meeting with my legislators, and it
was a positive experience for me.
WLA organized the schedule of meetings for the day, and attendees were scheduled to meet
with legislatures from their district. WLA provided us with information packets to give to our
legislatures that included infographics and talking points about libraries. There were between 2-5 attendees at each 20-minute meeting. We took turns sharing stories about how our libraries impact our communities directly and the value of libraries. Our major ask to the legislatures was that the next budget have sustained or increased funding for public library systems in the next biannual budget. We heard that the budget process will be contentious, but it was great to see bipartisan support for public libraries.
Liz Suelzer and Representative Angelito Tenorio.
If you come across opportunities like this, I encourage you to consider signing up. WLA
provided me with everything I needed to have a successful meeting with my legislators, and it
was a positive experience for me.
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