Monarch Library System

The Joint County Library Planning Committee was created by both the Ozaukee and Sheboygan County Boards to prepare a joint county library service plan that continues to provide library service and bookmobile to each county’s residents at all the public libraries in both counties. The Committee met over the past several months to review county library services and create the 2021-2025 Joint County Library Services Plan . Two public hearings have been scheduled, May 27 at Plymouth Public Library click here to join online, and May 28 at W.J. Niederkorn Public Library click here to join online (both at 6:00pm) to hear public comments on the plan.  If you cannot attend the public hearing, you are welcome to provide written comments by mail to: Joint Ozaukee Sheboygan County Library Planning Committee, c/o Monarch Library System, 4632 South Taylor Drive, Sheboygan, WI 53081 or by e-mail to Jennifer Chamberlain, system director, jchamberlain@monarchlibraries.org

The Monarch Library System (MLS) Board of Trustees seeks its next visionary director to lead a dynamic, innovative public library system. As one of Wisconsin’s 16 state-funded regional library systems, MLS serves four member counties (Dodge, Ozaukee, Sheboygan, and Washington) comprised of 30 public libraries, one bookmobile service, and a unique ILS partnership with Lakeland University. These libraries serve over 400,000 residents. The system office is located in the city of Sheboygan, WI, a lovely coastal community with breathtaking views of Lake Michigan.

MLS provides critical support services to our member libraries including management of a shared integrated library system (Monarch Catalog) and several shared digital collections, interlibrary delivery services, professional development for library staff, technology support, marketing and public relations expertise, and consulting services. MLS works collaboratively with other library systems throughout the state to enhance and expand member services.

Under the direction of a 15-member board of trustees, the system director manages an eleven member staff focused on providing high quality services to the member libraries. The position acts as the organization’s chief executive officer and technical advisor to the board, develops and manages an annual budget of $1.8 million, and communicates regularly with our member library directors and staff.

We are looking for a dynamic leader who excels in building relationships, is able to think strategically within the current political landscape, and can monitor details while also focusing on the big picture.

The director is a full time, salaried position and includes generous benefits including health, dental, paid time off, travel reimbursement, and participation in the Wisconsin Retirement System. Salary range is $82,000 – $88,000, dependent upon experience and qualifications. The position requires a Master of Library Science degree from an ALA accredited university or equivalent, who is eligible for Grade 1 Wisconsin Public Library certification. A valid Wisconsin driver’s license is required; travel to member libraries and statewide meetings are an essential part of the position. We would prefer a candidate who has five years of progressively responsible administrative and financial management responsibilities in a library or library system or equivalent.

Read the full position description here. For priority consideration, please email your resume, cover letter, and three professional references with contact information by May 19 to Lynn Huether, LHuether@MonarchLibraries.org. The position will remain open until a successful candidate is selected.

Library Closings & Limited Services Due to COVID-19