Steve Platteter (April 24, 1961-February 27, 2025)
The Wisconsin Library Association proudly inducts Steve Platteter posthumously into the Wisconsin Library Hall of Fame in recognition of his decades of transformative leadership, steadfast advocacy for small and rural libraries, and his enduring service to Wisconsin librarianship.
Steve’s distinguished career spanned more than 35 years. His career began when he worked at the Cedarburg Public Library as a part-time reference librarian. Later he worked at the Southwest Wisconsin Library System as Automation Services Librarian, where his work was nothing short of foundational. At a time when many libraries had only dial telephones, Steve built the digital infrastructure that would carry rural Wisconsin libraries into the future. Through a thoughtful, phased approach—upgrading phone lines, introducing fax capabilities, implementing dial-up Internet, and eventually installing T-1 lines—he helped ensure rural communities had access to emerging technologies and library resources.
His technical skill was matched by his vision for collaboration. At Mid-Wisconsin Federated Library System, he helped forge one of the first true inter-system partnerships through a joint Integrated Library System (ILS), skillfully navigating challenges with professionalism and calm. His willingness to personally assist small libraries—such as manually entering Lowell Public Library’s collection—embodied his belief that every library, no matter its size, matters.
As Director of Arrowhead Library System (ALS) for more than a decade, Steve became a trusted and collaborative leader. His even-tempered approach fostered strong relationships with library directors, boards, and staff. This foundation of trust was critical as he led ALS through its transition to the multi-system SHARE consortium and, later, its historic merger with Lakeshores Library System, creating the Prairie Lakes Library System in 2023. In an act of characteristic selflessness, Steve chose to become Deputy Director rather than stand in the way of progress—an extraordinary testament to his commitment to the greater good of libraries.
Steve’s advocacy extended beyond system leadership. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he secured ARPA funding to distribute Chromebooks and hotspots to underserved residents and worked closely with member libraries to sustain services during shutdowns. He expanded outreach, including programs at the Rock County Jail, and secured LSTA funding to install hearing loops across Rock County libraries—ensuring access and inclusion for all patrons.
Steve’s contributions to the Wisconsin Library Association are equally remarkable. A WLA member since 1996, he served for decades as the association’s photographer, quietly documenting keynote sessions, awards ceremonies, and Legislative Day events to preserve the profession’s history. He also served on the WILS Board for 12 years, the Wisconsin Library Heritage Center Steering Committee (Chair), and as a member of the Public Library System Redesign Project ILL/ILS Workgroup. In 2023, he was honored as WLA/DEMCO Librarian of the Year for his career-long leadership, humility, and impact.
Steve’s peers describe him as a “quiet force” in Wisconsin libraries: a problem solver, a bridge builder, and a kind colleague who made everyone around him better. As Melody Clark reflected in a WLA Member Spotlight, his support and mentorship “helped me find my voice and confidence as a library professional.” His legacy lives on in the systems he helped shape, the libraries he strengthened, and the countless people he supported behind the scenes.
For his visionary leadership, lifelong service, and unparalleled advocacy for Wisconsin libraries, the Wisconsin Library Association proudly welcomes Steve Platteter into the Wisconsin Library Hall of Fame.