The Library Board of Trustees is, by state law, the governing body of the Library. The powers delegated to the Board are, therefore, a public trust.
The Board is the policy-making body of the Library, and is responsible for determination of the use of the building and property, personnel policies, as well as preparation and control of the budget.
There are seven to nine trustees, five to seven of whom (four must be residents of Madison) are appointed by the Mayor with the consent of the governing body to serve for a term of five years each. The remaining two ex-officio members are the Mayor and the Superintendent of Schools. Either ex-officio member may appoint an alternate to attend Board meetings.
The Board meets regularly on the second Thursday of every month (summer schedule varies) in the Chase Auditorium. At their annual reorganization meeting, the members elect a President, Vice-President, Treasurer and Secretary. The President then appoints each Trustee to focus on specific area(s) of responsibility.
Board of Trustees 2023
| Office | Appointee | Term |
| President | Thomas P. Bintinger | 1/1/16 – 12/31/25 |
| Vice-President | James E. Schessler | 1/1/17 – 12/31/26 |
| Secretary | Louise Easton | 1/1/18 – 12/31/23 |
| Treasurer | David Luber | 1/1/17 – 12/31/26 |
| Trustee | JoAnn McCarthy | 1/1/18 – 12/31/27 |
| Trustee | Kate Bartley | 1/1/20 – 12/31/24 |
| Trustee | Joseph A. Riopel | 1/1/23 – 12/31/25 |
| Mayor of Madison – Ex Officio | Robert H. Conley | 1/1/20 – 12/31/23 |
| Liaison to the Superintendent of Schools | Karen Bessin | 10/10/19 – |
Meeting Dates – 2023
The Board of Trustee meetings begin at 7:30 pm in the Library’s Chase Auditorium. The meetings are open to the public.
| Thursday | January 12th |
| Thursday | February 9th |
| Thursday | March 9th |
| Thursday | April 13th |
| Thursday | May 11th |
| Thursday | June 8th |
| Thursday | July 15th |
| Thursday | September 14th |
| Thursday | October 12th |
| Thursday | November 9th |
| Thursday | December 14th |
