Governance
The library is governed by a Board of Trustees. The Manhattan Public Library Board of Trustees consists of seven members appointed by the mayor with the approval of the city commission (K.S.A. 12-1222). In addition to the appointed members, the mayor serves as an ex officio member of the board, which means that by virtue of the office or position, the mayor is a member. Trustees serve a four-year term and are eligible for one reappointment.
Board meetings in 2023 are scheduled to meet at 4 p.m. on the following dates. Any changes in the schedule or notice of special meetings will be posted below and on the library’s public bulletin board.
| Month | Date |
|---|---|
| January | 01/30/2023 |
| February | 02/27/2023 |
| March | 03/27/2023 |
| April | 04/24/2023 |
| May | TBD |
| June | 06/26/2023 |
| Month | Date |
|---|---|
| July | TBD |
| August | 08/28/2023 |
| September | 09/25/2023 |
| October | 10/30/2023 |
| November | 11/27/2023 |
| December | TBD |
Library Board of Trustees
The duties of the Board of Trustees are defined by K.S.A. 12-1225. Trustees approve library policy and serve on finance, building and grounds, legislative, and policy and planning committees. The library board hires and evaluates the library director.
Elaine Shannon – President
1st Term: 5/20/2015 – 04/30/2019
2nd Term: 5/01/2019 – 04/30/2023
Email
Tyler Darnell – Vice President
1st Term: 06/06/2017 – 04/30/2021
2nd Term: 05/01/2021 – 04/30/2025
Email
Stacy Kohlmeier
1st Term: 05/01/2016 – 04/30/2020
2nd Term: 05/01/2020 – 04/30/2024
Email
Jayme Morris-Hardeman
1st Term: 05/01/2019 – 04/30/2023
Email