A Call for Creative Leadership
The Kenosha Public Library Board of Trustees is in search of an innovative, collaborative, and dynamic visionary to shape our future.
As an award-winning institution with a strong community presence through its neighborhood locations, the Kenosha Public Library (KPL) stands at an exciting juncture. The new Director will head a dedicated team of 84 staff members who are passionate advocates for the transformative power of libraries. With the opening of our fifth branch this year, the celebration of our 125th anniversary in 2025, and the development of a new strategic plan on the horizon, the incoming Director will have numerous opportunities to leave a lasting impact on both the library and the community. We seek a visionary leader who can forge strong relationships with community leaders, partners, staff, and patrons to help us navigate this promising future.
Diversity Statement
The mission of the Kenosha Public Library is to create an inclusive, welcoming environment. The only way for us to achieve this mission is by creating a team that reflects the diversity of our community who believes in the importance of equity and inclusion for all people. We welcome all candidates to apply. All qualified candidates will receive equal consideration without regard to age, ancestry, race, color, creed, disability, veteran status, national origin, race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression.
Our Community
Kenosha, a community of nearly 100,000 residents, boasts a unique blend of small-town intimacy and the conveniences of both urban and suburban living. Kenosha is known for its strong civic pride, lush nature trails, and burgeoning economic growth. In a community characterized by its balance of residential, commercial, and industrial elements, our library is a beacon of culture, learning, and connection.
Our Library
Our libraries, nestled in four neighborhood locations, with a fifth location opening this summer, serve as vibrant hubs of activity and learning. Our two bookmobiles bring the library's mission and vision to life across Kenosha County and position KPL as a vibrant essential partner.
We are a proud member of the SHARE Consortium, connecting us to 24 libraries, and millions of items, across southeastern Wisconsin, enriching our offerings for patrons.
KPL is guided by the following core values:
Intellectual Freedom
We uphold the public's right to intellectual freedom by ensuring that each person has equitable access to the broad spectrum of resources held by the Kenosha Public Library. We meet each person's information needs fairly, without judgment or censorship.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion
Through our commitment to ongoing staff education, we strive to implement creative, forward-thinking policies and services that promote inclusivity and maximize the Library's usefulness within the community. The Kenosha Public Library is committed to providing lifelong learning and outstanding service to all members of our diverse community.
Compassionate Professionalism
Our workplace culture is to support our patrons and each other by being helpful, respectful, compassionate, ethical, and kind in our daily interactions. The way we treat each member of our community is evidence of our service-minded professionalism.
Collaboration
As open-minded, flexible, and honest individuals, we are able to work as a team to reach our goals. Through collaboration with each other and our community partners, we provide our patrons with efficient, dependable services that build and maintain trust in the Library as a valuable community institution.
The Process
The search process for the Library Director position is being led by Bradbury Miller Associates, opens a new window (BMA), an executive search firm dedicated to advancing libraries and library support organizations by connecting exceptional talent with transformative leadership opportunities, in coordination with the Kenosha Public Library Board of Trustees.
The final interviews will be conducted onsite in Kenosha, Wisconsin. It is anticipated that the final interview will include a variety of activities held over two days, which will include tours of all libraries, meet and greet sessions with library staff and community stakeholders, and a formal interview with the full Board of Trustees.
Applicants can apply via BMA’s application portal, here.
Application Deadline: Sunday, October 20
Applicant questions should be directed to Briana Trudell with BMA at brianatrudell@bradburymiller.com
