Conference Highlights

Featured Speakers

Will Durst
Everyone's favorite political satirist will be the conference keynote speaker on Wednesday, 5:30-6:30 p.m.

James Gollata, library director, Ellen Kort, author, and Gene Musser, cardiologist, will present an evocative piece on the conference theme "Libraries @ the Heart" at the President's Luncheon on Friday.

Neil Gaiman
Winner of this year's Elizabeth Burr/Worzalla award for his YA novel, Coraline, Mr. Gaiman will speak at the Youth Services Section luncheon on Wednesday.

Other Speakers:

  • Deborah Blum, Banta award winner and author of Love at Goon Park
  • Pat Boelter, Advisor, Cudahy & Delafield Public Libraries
  • Nicholas Burbules, Professor, University of Illinois
  • Shawn Chilson, St. Ann Center of Intergenerational Care
  • Barbara D'Amato, mystery author
  • Carole McGinley Edland, Founder/Director, Butterfly Ministry
  • James D. Friedman, Partner, Quarles & Brady, LLP
  • James Gollata, Director of the Library at the UW-Richland
  • Richard Grobschmidt, Assistant State Superintendent, Department of Public Instruction
  • John Gurda, Milwaukee Writer and Historian
  • Merle Jacob, Director for Library Collection Development, Chicago Public Library
  • Ellen Kort, author and Wisconsin poet laureate
  • Paul LaPorte, Economist, U.S. Dept. of Labor
  • Peggy Lautenschlager, Wisconsin Attorney General
  • Richard Moore, Investigative Reporter and Columnist
  • Joshua Morrill, Independent Research Consultant
  • Susan Boon Murray, Associate Professor, UW-La Crosse
  • Andrea Musher, Poet Laureate, Madison and Associate Professor, UW-Whitewater
  • Sue McCleaf Nespeca, Kid Lit Plus Consulting
  • Marion C. Smith, Director of Labor Research, Michael Best & Friedrich, LLP
  • Al Stenstrup, DNR Educator
  • Roy Tennant, Manager, eScholarship Web & Services Design, California Digital Library

Exhibits:

Over 100 exhibitors will be present featuring the latest publications, technology and library products. Door prizes, refreshments and box lunches (pre-registration required) will be available in the exhibit hall.

Events:

Autograph garden featuring a plethora of talented authors

All-conference delectable dessert reception at the Milwaukee Public Library and Marquette University

Reunions for UW-Madison SLIS and UW-Milwaukee SOIS

Awards and Honors banquets recognizing exceptional librarians, authors, and literature

Wednesday evening salsa dancing lessons

Wednesday evening trivia contest

Dozens of programs to enthuse and motivate you and to showcase the library's place at the heart of the community.