2023 Tribal Public Library Annual Conference

Wisconsin's four tribal public libraries came together for the second annual Tribal Public Library Conference in May. Sponsored by NFLS through an LSTA Professional Learning grant, this year's event was held at the Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University Community Library, located on the Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Ojibwe reservation near Hayward, Wisconsin.

Along with the Lac Courte Oreilles, Lac du Flambeau, Menominee and Oneida library staff also attended the two-day conference. Professional development sessions were offered regarding library policies, operational processes, employee onboarding and succession planning. The group was also joined by Jennifer Himmelreich, Senior Program Officer at the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Himmelreich manages the Native American Library Services Grants, which provide funding to Native American libraries across the country to help support operations or special projects. She was able to provide an overview of the grant programs and valuable tips on managing the awards.

In addition to the educational components, the library directors also had time to get to know each other and share their experiences and challenges unique to their positions as tribal public librarians. Hosting the conference at each tribal library also gives them a chance to observe each library and visit their unique cultural spaces.