Presenter Daniel Galbreath presents “Change-Making Fundamentals-Building Positive Change for a Better Wyoming” to WLA 2026 Conference attendees.
Wyoming Library Association’s (WLA) 2026 Annual Conference, “Thriving Together,“ was held at the Little America Hotel and Resort in Cheyenne, Wyoming, September 30-October 2.
Conference attendees from across the state gained valuable information on a variety of topics, including library statistics, crafting programs, zines, self-care, grant-writing, and more. The event was also an opportunity to network with other library professionals and make valuable connections. Library-related vendors were on hand to answer questions about products and services, as well.
An awards breakfast on Thursday morning recognized and celebrated the achievements of many Wyoming library professionals, including the winners of the 2026 WLA Awards: Lifetime Achievement Award-Holly Baker (Park County Library), Outstanding Hero-Sara Burlingame (Wyoming Equality), Outstanding Librarian-Karen Jean Funk (Washakie County Library), Outstanding Library-Powell Library, and Nora Van Burgh Grant-Linann McDonald (Natrona County Library). Library Journal 2026 Mover and Shaker Conrrado Saldivar was also honored, and Goshen County Library was recognized for their appointment as Library Journal’s 2026 Best Small Library in America. The leadership “baton” was passed from WLA President Cristine Braddy to WLA President Elect Alan Vaughn.
Mandy Fabel, Leadership Wyoming’s Executive Director, provided an insightful and inspiring keynote speech at Thursday’s Kickoff Luncheon, and Brandon Mull, author of the Fablehaven series and many other works, engaged attendees with a thoughtful and heartfelt presentation during Friday’s Author Luncheon.
Throughout the conference, the theme of “Thriving Together,” was woven into every session, presentation, conversation, and interaction. Participants left with new and rekindled connections, fresh ideas, and a renewed purpose to thrive in their libraries back home.