Kate Davis, PLLS’s inaugural Programming Coordinator, reflects on her first year in the role.
Written by Kate Davis | September 18, 2025
One Year In and the Ideas Keep Coming!
It’s officially been one year since I joined the Prairie Lakes Library System as the Youth & Inclusivity Consultant. This position was newly created, thoughtfully shaped, and ready for someone (me!) to take the reins and help make a meaningful impact across our library communities.
Accepting a professional role that required a long-distance move should’ve called for deep deliberation—but from the moment I connected with Prairie Lakes, I knew this was the right place.
It offered the perfect opportunity to find work/life balance and grow professionally while doing what I care most about: helping libraries discover innovative ways to connect their communities with meaningful learning experiences.
The first few weeks were a crash course in the unique landscape of Wisconsin libraries. From their wide range of sizes to their strong sense of independence and the state-specific policies that guide them, there was a lot to take in. But what stood out most was the incredibly warm welcome I received. Library staff were open, enthusiastic, and generous with their time. They shared their stories, answered my many questions, and helped me understand the local library environment on a deeper level.
Those early conversations constantly pushed me to re-evaluate my personal assumptions, shifting my mindset from “this is how it’s done” to “how can we do this best—for this specific library and its patrons?”
I hadn’t worked in libraries prior to diving directly into a master’s degree in library science. It, like many library science programs, emphasized strategic, forward-thinking approaches to librarianship, so that was the foundation of my perspective. While valuable, that framework can sometimes overlook the immediate needs and lived experiences of the communities we serve.
Over the past year, I’ve witnessed firsthand how libraries in PLLS truly listen to their patrons—meeting them where they are and offering inclusive, responsive programming without forcing a one-size-fits-all vision of the future.
It’s been eye-opening, humbling, and deeply inspiring.
Drawing on this new understanding, I’ve been able to create and revitalize many resources for the Prairie Lakes Library System. A few highlights from the past year include System-wide programs like Ink & Imagination Passport Program, 1000 Books Before Kindergarten and on-demand tools, including the Accessibility Toolbox and ready-to-use book lists available on the PLLS website, and revamped support for youth services staff, from consultations to resource recommendations.
So, what’s next?
A programming resource blog is in the works, as well as new initiatives centered on community-based programming and circulating kits that highlight world cultures. But more than anything, I want to hear from you. My role exists to support you, your staff, your patrons, and your library’s vision.
What do you need? What’s working, and what’s not? Let’s collaborate to build something amazing together—tailored to your unique library and the people it serves.
Here’s to year two!