On September 24, 25, and 26, 134 library professionals from across Wyoming gathered in Casper, Wyoming, to learn, network, and celebrate library joy during the 2025 Wyoming Library Association Conference—Libraries: Places of Joy!
Special guest, Shamichael Hallman, author of the book, Meet Me at the Library, presented a keynote speech and answered questions about his book during the preconference on Wednesday. A presentation by the Legislative Committee and a Book Talk and Swap wrapped up the afternoon.
Left to right-Lindsey Travis, past WLA President, passing the microphone and presidency to Christine Braddy, current WLA President
Attendees took part in interest group meetings, breakout sessions on a variety of topics, and connected with vendors throughout the day on Thursday, and had the privilege of hearing a keynote speech from Mychal Threets during lunch. Lindsey Travis, past WLA President also passed the torch to the new WLA President, Cristine Braddy. WLA award winners were honored at the awards reception Thursday evening, followed by an fun and informative trivia night. (Stay tuned for additional blog posts about WLA Awards and Trivia Night coming soon!)
Friday morning, conference participants attended interest group meetings and breakout sessions, and were treated to an author luncheon featuring Rebecca Hass, author of 100 Seeds for Library Joy.
Left to right-Mychal Threets, Rebecca Hass, and Shamichael Hallman had the opportunity to see a bison while they were in Wyoming. Photo credit-Shamichael Hallman
Breakout Sessions included presentations on timely and relevant topics including law for librarians, library joy and wellness, evaluation techniques, Wyoming Book Awards, instruction design, children’s programming, programming for older adults, wealth transfer, library statistics, genealogy, patents, and more, and were presented by library professions and organizations from across the state and beyond.
Conference attendees were able to connect with other library professionals from across Wyoming and gained valuable knowledge they could use to continue spreading and cultivating the joy of libraries back in their own communities. This event was truly a celebration of all the reasons Wyomingites love their libraries!