Library Boards are legal entities, and board members are entrusted with the responsibility of governing and overseeing the administration of libraries. They do not determine the day to day operations of the library (that is the responsibility of the library director), but they do determine policy (with guidance from the director), manage funds appropriated to the library, and advocate for the library in the community. Most library boards meet monthly and approve library bills for the month, review policies, approve of capital expenditures and get an update of the day to day operations from the director, among other things.

For some board members, advocating for libraries is not confined to Manawa. Board member Deborah Hoffmann also serves on the Board of Trustees for the Outagamie Waupaca Library System. Former board member Carol Diehl is very active at the state and national level with involvement in the Wisconsin Library Association and the American Library Association and has been appointed by President Bush to serve on the National Commission on Libraries and Information Science.

Manawa is fortunate in having a dedicated library board whose members donate their time and energy to keep the library functioning. No library director could do a good job without a strong and dedicated board. If you know any of the board members, thank them for a job well done next time you see them. :)