Three Finalists Announced in Madison Public Library Director Search

MADISON, WI -- Three candidates have been identified as finalists in the search for the next Director of Madison Public Library:

• Peter Petruski, Current Division Chief for Collection and Access at Arlington Public Library in Virginia 
• Sarah Townsend, Current Assistant Director of Libraries at Suffolk Public Library in Virginia
• Tana Elias, Current Digital Services and Marketing Manager at Madison Public Library

"The Madison Public Library Board is delighted with the pool of candidates to serve as the next Director of Madison Public Library," said Alyssa Kenney, Board Chair. "These three finalists are excellent leaders and each have deep public library experience.”

The community will have an opportunity to meet the three finalists at an upcoming event planned for 9:30 a.m. at Goodman South Madison Library on Saturday, March 9. 

The Madison Public Library Board spearheaded a nationwide search in collaboration with the City of Madison and recruitment firm Bradbury Miller. After receiving many qualified applications and going through a robust and competitive process involving multiple rounds of interviews, the applicant pool was narrowed to the three finalists listed above. Throughout the process, multiple stakeholders have been involved, including library staff, Madison Public Library Board members, Madison Public Library Foundation staff and board members, staff from the Mayor’s Office and staff from the South Central Library System. 

The final round of interviews will take place on Friday, March 8, followed by the public Meet & Greet at Goodman South Madison Library on Saturday, March 9. 

The event will begin with breakfast and a chance to interact with the candidates in an informal setting from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at Goodman South Madison Library, followed by a Community Q&A from 10:30-11:30 a.m. with the finalists in the Evjue Room across the foyer at the Urban League of Greater Madison. Attendees will have the opportunity to submit questions for consideration.  

Learn more about the upcoming event at madpl.org/directorfinalists. Registration requested, but not required. 

About Madison Public Library
Madison Public Library’s tradition of promoting education, literacy and community involvement has enriched the City of Madison for more than 140 years.  Visit the library online at www.madisonpubliclibrary.orgor @madisonpubliclibrary on Facebook and Instagram.