Monroe County Public Library is under the direction of a seven-member board of trustees who serve without pay. Board members are appointed for four-year staggered terms: two by the County Commissioners, three by the School Corporations, and two by the County Council.

Christine HarrisonChristine Harrison, President

  • Appointed by: Richland-Bean Blossom Community School Corporation
  • Original appointment term: February 2017, 2nd term
  • Term ends: January 31, 2025
More information about Christine

Christine (Chris) Harrison is a third-grade teacher in the Richland-Bean Blossom Community School Corporation. Prior to teaching third grade, Chris was an elementary school librarian for Brown County Schools, Mineral Point Unified School District in Wisconsin, and Richland-Bean Blossom. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Indiana University as well as a Masters of Library Science. Chris is married with three daughters, a step-daughter, a step-son, and two adorable grandsons.

 

Jamie BurkhartJaime Burkhart, Vice President

  • Appointed by: Monroe County Community School Corporation
  • Original appointment term: February 2019, 2nd term
  • Term ends: January 31, 2027
More information about Jaime

Jaime Burkhart is a project manager with the Center for Postsecondary Research at Indiana University. She has multiple degrees and certifications, including a Masters of Library Science from IU. She has also worked as a school librarian and believes you're never too old to enjoy children's and YA literature. She teaches English language learners in her spare time.

 

Kari EsareyKari Esarey, Secretary

  • Appointed by: Monroe County Community School Corporation
  • Original appointment term: March 2009, 4th term
  • Term ends: January 31, 2025
More information about Kari

Kari Esarey is the instructional coach at Binford Elementary.  She has been in the MCCSC school corporation since 1985 in such positions as an administrator, classroom teacher, literacy coach, and title one reading teacher.  Kari volunteers leading a monthly women's bible study and serves on the church council as well as plays the french horn.  She has been an active member of Bread for the World since 1985, actively organizing letter writing offerings yearly to various senators and representatives.  Kari is married to David Esarey and has three adult children, all in education.

 

Chris HullChris Hull, Trustee 

  • Appointed by: County Council
  • Original appointment term: May 2023, 1st term
  • Term ends: January 31, 2027
More information about Chris

Chris Hull is a veteran educator who has taught in Bloomington area schools since 1990. She began her teaching career at Unionville, Childs, Fairview, and Arlington Elementary Schools before earning her Masters of Library Science. She then served as a school librarian at both Bloomington High School South, Arlington Elementary, and Summit Elementary School. Now retired, she’s a passionate gardener and reader.

 

Katherine E. LoserKatherine E. Loser, Trustee

  • Appointed by: County Commissioners
  • Original appointment term: August 2015, 2nd term
  • Term ends: January 31, 2026
More information about Katherine

Katherine (Kathy) Loser was a school librarian at Bloomington High School North for over 30 years  in the Monroe County Community School Corporation (MCCSC). Kathy also worked at MCPL as a Children’s Library Technician and as a summer Children’s librarian. She met her husband Duane Busick while they were working on Kids Alive during winter of 1975, at the TV station channel 7, which is now CATS at Monroe County Public Library.

 

Nichelle Whitney WashNichelle Whitney Wash, Trustee

  • Appointed by: County Council
  • Original appointment term: February 2022, 1st term
  • Term ends: January 31, 2026
More information about Nichelle

Nichelle Whitney Wash is a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) consultant who has worked in a number of different roles in higher education, healthcare, and the nonprofit sector. She holds a BS in Human Biology from Indiana University Bloomington, and is founder of The Guarden, LLC.

 

Regular meetings: Third Wednesday of every month at 5:45 p.m. in Meeting Room 1B, first floor, Downtown Library.

The board is the policy-making body of the Library and determines such matters as hours open, holidays, vacations, salaries, and also works with the Director in preparing the Library budget. The board hires and advises the Director in the operation of the Library. The board meets monthly; meetings are open to the public. Meeting agenda with time and location are posted in various locations in the library 48 hours in advance. Meetings are cablecast live on the government channel of Community Access Television Services (CATS).