Northern Waters Library Network

07/07/2026

As state and federal funding discussions continue, we encourage our communities to stay informed about how public libraries are funded and what proposed changes could mean for local library services.

Explore real-time updates, learn more about current funding, and access resources on federal funding for Wisconsin public libraries and schools here: https://sl1nk.com/vp5sj3w

As state and federal funding discussions continue, it's important to know what funding your local libraries are currently receiving and how changes may significantly impact local branches.

You can see real-time updates, find critical information, and check out resources about federal funding for Wisconsin public schools and libraries here:

https://wi-dpi.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/media/index.html?appid=15c2bcc83d4f431580788b2a617d49ca

06/15/2026

Look at all the fun happening at the Shell Lake Public Library this week!

Check out our events page to learn more about our programs!

06/12/2026

June is 🎧📖 A fun reminder for libraries looking for an easy summer engagement idea: try an Audiobook Adventure Walk Bingo Challenge. Encourage patrons to grab their headphones, check out an audiobook, and explore their community one chapter at a time. More marketing materials available via the Libby App.

06/09/2026

Join NWLS Director Katherine tonight for a program at theFrank B. Koller Memorial Libraryy where Vince Tripi will present on the often-overlooked history of LGBTQ+ activism in the Midwest. Find out more at kollerlibrary.org/event/flyover-country.

06/04/2026

We’re so excited to share that Lin Migiziikwe Gokee, Director of Ginanda Gikendaasomin Red Cliff Library, will receive a national Rising Star Award this fall at the Joint Conference of Librarians of Color - JCLC!

Lin was nominated by the American Indian Library Association (AILA) Executive Board in recognition of their leadership, vision, and contributions to the library profession. Since joining Ginanda Gikendaasomin in 2023 and becoming Library Director in 2025, Lin has already made an incredible impact in their community and beyond. We’re proud to celebrate this well deserved recognition and grateful to have such inspiring leadership within the NWLS region. Congratulations Lin!

Did you know that Red Cliff's Library Director, Lin Migiziikwe Gokee, will be receiving a national award this fall? Lin has been nominated by the American Indian Library Association (AILA) Executive Board to receive a Rising Star Award at the 2026 Joint Conference of Librarians of Color - JCLC in Spokane, WA!

From JCLC: "The Rising Star Award recognizes emerging professionals with fewer than five years of experience, whose initiative and vision demonstrate exceptional promise as future leaders in the profession. This award is a testament to your outstanding contributions, leadership, and dedication to the field."

Lin was originally hired at Ginanda Gikendaasomin as the Library Engagement Coordinator in 2023 and was promoted to Library Director in March of 2025. They recently completed their first year of graduate school in UW-Madison's online MA in Library and Information Studies program.

03/01/2026

Sharing this exciting event happening Thursday, March 5! 🎤✨

Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University will be welcoming an incredible lineup of women leaders to campus, including Patty Loew, Ph.D. — citizen of the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Ojibwe, professor emerita, award-winning author, and documentary filmmaker whose work explores treaty rights, sovereignty, and Indigenous storytelling.

📚🎥 Visionary storyteller. Powerful advocate.

Learn more and register here: https://www.lco.edu/events

March 5th we welcome some phenomenal women to come and speak on leadership. One of the women invited is Patty Loew. We can't wait to have them on campus.

🎤✨ Meet Patty Loew, Ph.D.
A citizen of the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Ojibwe, Dr. Loew is professor emerita at the Medill School of Journalism and founding director of the Center for Native American and Indigenous Research at Northwestern University. She also served as professor emerita with University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension.
An award-winning author and documentary filmmaker, Loew’s work explores treaty rights, sovereignty, and the power of Native media to share Indigenous worldviews.
She is a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and recipient of Wisconsin’s Martin Luther King Jr. Heritage Award.
📚🎥 A visionary storyteller. A powerful advocate. A voice for Indigenous truth.
Register today at https://www.lco.edu/events

02/28/2026

After 23+ years at the Boulder Junction Public Library, Cherie is officially turning the page to a new chapter! 📖✨

Her NWLS crew gathered today to celebrate all the care, leadership, and heart she’s poured into her library and community over the years. Cheers to Cherie and a retirement filled with good books, cozy mornings, and zero overdue notices! 💙🎉

01/28/2026

Exciting news from our friends at the Vaughn Public Library!

01/27/2026

Are the corners of your kid’s chapter books looking a bit busted?Check out the video below for a simple preservation tip to help well-loved books last longer. The comments also include some thoughtful insights and additional good points worth reading.

01/19/2026

The NWLS office is closed today, Monday, January 19, 2026.
We’ll reopen tomorrow, Tuesday, January 20. See you then! 👋

Now more than ever.