Library Board seeks to do its job invisibly

The Madison Public Library system is transitioning to modernize its buildings and services, including the recent new Central Branch opening and renovations and new programs at other branches.

Facilitating these efforts are the Madison Public Library Board of Directors, who are eager to see this transition lay a strong foundation for MPL.

Library Board President Tripp Widder has overseen many of these changes. His job is to establish policy, approve budgets, and further the interests of the library in the community.

Widder joined the board after working with former Alder Sue Bowman, and relished the opportunity to work with the Madison Public Library.

“The library board’s job is to make sure the library is managed well so that if we’re doing our job, the community doesn’t really notice us because the library is working well,” Widder said.

Although the library board attempts to keep a low profile, the members serve as an advocate for the library in the community.

Board member Tracy Kuczenski serves on the personnel committee and was involved in the hiring of new Madison Public Library Director Greg Mickells. In addition, she played a key role in the creation of the new Central Library branch.

“I have really enjoyed being part of the transformation of Central Library from a cold, dark, cinderblock box of a building to the bright, airy, visually and ‘tactilely’ stimulating, creative community gathering space,” Kuczenski said.

Board Vice President David Wallner also believes the new Central branch is the crowning achievement during his time on the board. Wallner has served on the board for about 12 years after retiring from the Madison City Council.

“I got on the board with one major goal, to replace the old dysfunctional library with one to take us into the 21st century,” Wallner said.

“The new building was beautifully done, with lots of changes and improvements like an expanded children’s section, a teen area, and new spaces for creativity and technology,” he said.

Board members say the biggest challenge they face is identifying consistent sources of funding.

“You only need to look at other communities who have had to close libraries and reduce hours due to financing,” Widder said.

According to Widder, the Madison Public Library system has been fortunate to avoid some of the drastic changes with which other communities have dealt, but obtaining sufficient resources to maintain a high-rate library is an on-going process.

Despite fiscal concerns, board members feel optimistic and excited about the board’s future.

According to Wallner, the board has had very stable leadership for many years and will need similar leadership in the future. In addition, the board has several new, younger staff members who will bring new energy and ideas to the system.

The board’s new members will attempt to address library services in a changing information environment.

“The way library services will be delivered and packaged will be evolving and the library board will be dealing with that,” Widder said.

According to Kuczenski, the board will also work to foster partnerships between library branches and community service providers.