Library Board

The Washington County Library Board is an advisory group of Washington County residents appointed by the Washington County Board of Commissioners.

The Washington County Board of Commissioners is the Library's governing board and makes decisions with the advice of the Library Director and Library Board. 

Community members interested in learning more about the Library Board should contact email Library Director Jacquie Kramer or call 651-275-8501. 

Members

The Library Board is comprised of seven Washington County residents appointed by the Board of Commissioners. The Library Board must have one citizen from each Commissioner District and two citizens at large. One County Commissioner will also be appointed to serve on the board. The seven members of the Library Board are appointed for three-year terms.

Board MemberTermDistrict
Heather Cosby 
January 2026 - December 20281
Winnie Williams January 2024 - December 20262
Sarah JansenJanuary 2024 - December 20263
Natalie SeimJanuary 2026 - December 20284
Simi PatnaikJanuary 2025 - December 20275
Kathleen FinkJanuary 2026 - December 2028At large
David OlufsonJanuary 2026 - December 2028At large
Commissioner Karla BighamAssigned Annually


Meetings 

The Library Board meets on the fourth Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. The following are the dates for 2026:

DateLocation
Monday, January 26Park Grove Library (Cottage Grove)
Monday, March 23Lake Elmo Library
Monday, May 18Hardwood Creek Library (Forest Lake)
Monday, July 27Wildwood Library (Mahtomedi)
Monday, September 28R.H. Stafford Library (Woodbury)
Monday, November 23Oakdale Library
Monday, January 25, 2027Lake Elmo Library

Notice of each meeting will be posted online and/or emailed to each member no less than four days before a meeting. 

Agendas & Minutes

Agendas are available in the Agenda Center before each meeting. Minutes are available after they are approved. 

Responsibilities

The responsibilities of the Library Board include: 

  • Understanding library goals.
  • Providing input on meeting room policies, capital improvement needs, and strategic plans.
  • Providing public support for the library.
  • Reviewing materials reconsideration requests.
  • Supporting legislation that would bring about the greatest good to the greatest number of libraries.
  • Other duties as assigned by the Board of Commissioners.

Operating Procedures

This board operates following the operating procedures established by the county. Refer to Washington County, Advisory Committees, Boards and Commissions, Governance Policy #6006.

Policy #6006 Source

Minnesota Statutes and/or County Board Resolution 80-131, 88-33, 88-120, 91-031, 94-044, 94-058, 94-107.
County Board Motion January 18, 1983
County Board Motion February 27, 1997
County Board Resolution #98-182, December 8, 1998
County Board Motion November 14, 2000
County Board Motion January 14, 2003
County Board Motion May 6, 2003
County Board Motion January 27, 2004
County Board Motion March 28, 2006
Policy #110 renumbered to #6006, June 2006
County Board Motion November 25, 2008
County Board Motion November 17, 2015