An Introduction to the Wisconsin Public Library Consortium (WPLC)
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The Wisconsin Public Library Consortium, or WPLC, was formed in 2001 as an organization that would allow public library systems to enter into statewide partnerships. The goal was, and continues to be, to support programs that are innovative and collaborative.
The main and most popular service of WPLC is Wisconsin’s Digital Library, or as patrons think of it, Libby. Wisconsin’s Digital Library provides e-content, such as e-books, audiobooks, and magazines, through the OverDrive platform and is available to patrons through the Libby app. The popularity of the statewide collection has steadily increased each year from its inception. In 2024, the digital library circulated over 9.5 million electronic materials to library users throughout the State of Wisconsin, one million more loans than in 2023. In 2025, public libraries and public library systems will contribute just over $1,500,000 to add new e-content to the statewide digital library in an attempt to keep up with patron demand.
Additional WPLC projects include OverDrive support courses for librarians, statewide digitization support and backup, a technology community of practice, and collaboration on shared services such as statewide delivery. The chart below depicts the various committees and workgroups providing those resources and support as of the beginning of 2025.
Earlier this year, WPLC approved its first strategic plan. Stakeholders recognized that due to the continual growth and expansion of the organization, it was necessary to gather data to inform its future direction and determine WPLC’s capacity to sustain current and future projects. The keystone activity was to establish the following mission and vision statements to codify the purpose of WPLC.
Mission: The Wisconsin Public Library Consortium brings together expertise and resources to support collaborative work resulting in greater equity and affordability for Wisconsin public libraries and their communities.
Vision: To serve as the strategic center of experimentation, collaboration, and innovation for Wisconsin public libraries.
In response to the objectives of the plan, a Website Workgroup was created to redesign the website for the organization. Additionally, a Communications Committee was established to increase member library awareness of and engagement with the services of WPLC. An updated 2026 organization chart will reflect the addition of these groups.
By the end of 2025, the WPLC Board intends to approve organizational values, based on the new mission and vision statements, to guide the organization’s future direction, ensuring WPLC’s success as it moves forward.
Lastly, the work and accomplishments of WPLC are made possible not only by the participation of Wisconsin public library and library system communities, but also by the tireless efforts and commitment of the Project Managers of WiLS (Wisconsin Library Services) for which we are very grateful.
More information about WPLC: Wisconsin Public Library Consortium
Wisconsin’s Digital Library: Wisconsin Public Library Consortium – OverDrive
Track strategic plan activities: WPLC Strategic Plan Activation & Assessment Worksheet