This meeting was held on February 27th, 2026, at 10:00 am online. You can watch the recording on the WiLS YouTube channel or view the slides.
Every day, we see how our members care for their communities. Whether in conversations, at conferences, in local news, or in Ideas to Action proposals, we hear how libraries and cultural organizations are finding new ways to nurture and support their communities. From food or necessity pantries and blood drives to mental health resources and technology support, our members meet people where they are, in good times and through struggles.
In our 2026 Member Meeting, on Friday, February 27th at 10:00 am CT, we will feature stories of how four libraries in Wisconsin are taking care of people in their communities, even in exceptionally uncertain times.
Burlington Public Library will share highlights from the Compassion Kits project, an initiative rooted in kindness and collaboration to support neighbors experiencing housing insecurity. Sponsored by a WiLS Ideas to Action Grant, the project brought community partners together to assemble and distribute thoughtfully prepared backpacks filled with essential items, showing how collective compassion can make a real impact.
Ginanda Gikendaasomin Red Cliff Tribal Library offers programming that often relies heavily on collaboration – with other Tribal departments, community organizations, the local school district, and others. They try to center our community in everything we do. While the library often wouldn’t have the capacity or funding for certain projects on its own, collaboration makes more possible and encourages leaving the library silos to better serve the community.
UW-Eau Claire’s McIntyre Library supports student wellness through its Makerspace as well as hosting a Repair Fair, Makerspace workshops, and opportunities for student involvement to encourage a sense of belonging on campus.
Verona Area School District libraries work to provide scholars a variety of experiences that offer care in both design and programming. Makerspace activities allow students to create and take items (slime, pictures, lip balm) or help contribute to the larger community (dog toys and family blankets). Puzzles, chess, and games invite students to share joy with others or spend some quiet time with a puzzle. There are also talking and quiet zones and private conference rooms, comfortable chairs and bean bags for quiet reflection, or larger talking spaces. At different points throughout the year, the library offers hot chocolate, community sticker boards, and personalized book selection.
We hope you’ll join to hear these stories and stay for the last 20 minutes of the meeting to learn about what WiLS has been up to in 2025 and what’s ahead for 2026!
WiLS is dedicated to providing collaborative and community experiences that are free from all forms of harassment and inclusive of all people. Please, be kind.
See our Code of Conduct for details.
