Kay Koepsel-Benning, Director of Library Services for the Elmbrook Schools, was honored this March at the Wisconsin Educational Media & Technology Association (WEMTA) annual conference as the recipient of the 2026 Excellence Award. The award recognizes a professional who has made significant contributions to the library, media, or educational technology profession and exemplifies excellence through career achievements.

Koepsel-Benning’s recognition reflects more than four decades of leadership and innovation in school libraries, along with her ongoing commitment to ensuring libraries remain vibrant centers of learning and curiosity within schools. “After 40 years in a profession you’ve seen it all,” reflected Chris Thompson, Elmbrook’s Chief Strategy Officer, during the award presentation. “But for Kay, 40 years is simply the foundation for her constant reinvention.”

Under Koepsel-Benning’s leadership, Elmbrook’s library program has become a model for expanding access to books and literacy resources. In 2016, she led the district’s transition to the OverDrive digital reading platform, helping increase overall circulation by 50 percent to nearly 700,000 books read each year by approximately 8,000 students. Importantly, the expansion of digital access complemented - rather than replaced - traditional reading habits. Print circulation remained strong while digital offerings broadened opportunities for students to engage with reading.

Koepsel-Benning has also become a leading voice in using data to advocate for strong library programs. She frequently shares strategies with peers across the state, helping other districts demonstrate the impact of libraries on student learning. Her influence extends to mentoring the next generation of library professionals. Through partnerships with the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, Koepsel-Benning has helped create professional pathways for library assistants while supervising multiple fieldwork students each year. Kay also served in leadership roles for WEMTA for four years, including President in 2024.

Within Elmbrook, her leadership has helped modernize library spaces as well, with seven of Elmbrook’s nine school libraries renovated to better serve today’s learners. “Kay firmly believes that the library is the heart of the community,” Thompson noted during the ceremony.

When accepting the award, Koepsel-Benning emphasized that the recognition reflects the collective work of Elmbrook Library Services Department and the entire Elmbrook Schools community. She noted the invaluable contributions of Chief Strategy Officer, Chris Thompson; Communications Specialist, Eric Hagen; and Receptionist, Brooke Flesner. 

“Our library vision is to be the heart of a school community where curiosity leads to excellence,” she shared. “When we work together, beautiful things happen.” In addition to her award, several members of the Elmbrook Library Team also presented at the conference. Kim Liepert (Library Lead at Pilgrim Park Middle School), Colleen Fenno Ladwig (Librarian at Brookfield Central High School and Wisconsin Hills Middle School), and Sara Field (Library Lead at Swanson Elementary School) led sessions highlighting innovative literacy initiatives taking place across the district.

Congratulations, Kay on this honor!