Board of Trustees

The Monroe County Library System enriches the quality of life for all residents of the county by providing free access to informational, educational and recreational resources.

MCLS Mission Statement

The Monroe County Library System is organized as a county library under Michigan law, but is operated independently of county government and receives no appropriated county funding.

The Library System is governed by a five member Board of Trustees, appointed to five-year terms by the Monroe County Board of Commissioners.

The Library Board establishes all Library policies, adopts an annual operating budget, and hires a Director to administer the operations of the Library.

The Library Board conducts its business during regular monthly meetings which are open to the public and are held in branch libraries throughout the system. The Board adopts its annual meeting calendar on or before January of each year. Most Board meetings are held on the second Wednesday of the month beginning at 5 PM. Any changes in meeting times, dates, or locations are posted in advance. To confirm a meeting date, time, or location please call the library’s business office at 241-5770.

Board Member	Position	Term

Catharine Calder	Chairperson	July 1, 1995 – December 31, 2025
Rob Peven	Vice-Chairperson	December 15, 2020 – December 31, 2026
Beth LaPensee	Secretary	January 1, 2024 – December 31, 2028
Bernie Smith	Trustee	January 1, 2015 – December 31, 2024
Dr. Rita Gordon	Trustee	January 1, 2023 – December 31, 2027

2025 Board of Trustees Meetings

Meeting minutes will be linked to each date as soon as the information becomes available.

Date	Location
Wednesday, January 8, 2025 \| 5:00 p.m.	Ellis
Wednesday, February 12, 2025 \| 5:00 p.m.	Daume
Wednesday, March 12, 2025 \| 5:00 p.m.	Blue Bush
Wednesday, April 9, 2025 \| 5:00 p.m.	Carleton
Wednesday, May 14, 2025 \| 5:00 p.m.	Dorsch
Wednesday, June 11, 2025 \| 5:00 p.m.	Luna Pier
Wednesday, July 9, 2025 \| 5:00 p.m.	Navarre
Wednesday, August 13, 2025 \| 5:00 p.m.	Daume
Wednesday, September 10, 2025 \| 5:00 p.m.	Dundee
Wednesday, October 8, 2025 \| 5:00 p.m.	Ida
Wednesday, November 12, 2025 \| 5:00 p.m. \| Budget Workshop	Daume
Wednesday, December 10, 2025 \| 5:00 p.m.	Daume

2024 Monroe County Library System Retiree Health Care Calendar

Date	Location
Monday, February 12, 2024 \| 1:00 p.m.	Daume
Monday, May 13, 2024 \| 1:00 p.m.	Daume
Monday, August 12, 2024 \| 1:00 p.m.	Daume
Monday, November 4, 2024 \| 1:00 p.m.	Daume

2025 Proposed Budget

Calculator and financial document