Leadership
Board of Trustees
The seven-person Elkhart Public Library board of trustees has broad authority on policies, finances and other library matters. The board generally meets at 5:30 p.m. on the third Tuesday of each month – see the most recent regular meeting agenda and minutes. Members are appointed according to state law. (Please note: As established in board bylaws, trustees may continue past their term expiration date for a period of up to 90 days if the appointing body has taken no action to appoint someone to the position.)
James W. Rieckhoff, president – Appointed by Elkhart County Council, term expires June 30, 2025
Jeri Stahr, vice president – Appointed by Elkhart School Board, term expires June 30, 2027
Jennifer Nielsen, secretary – Appointed by Elkhart County commissioners, term expires June 30, 2025
Laura Steffen, member – Appointed by Elkhart County commissioners, term expires June 30, 2026
Janet Gruwell, member – Appointed by Concord School Board, term expires June 30, 2026
Cynthia Dunlop, member – Appointed by Elkhart School Board, term expires June 30, 2028
Yuliana Rivera Arce, member – Appointed by Elkhart County Council, term expires June 30, 2027
Executive Director
Lisa Guedea Carreño has been Elkhart Public Library’s leader since 2014. Her professional experience includes positions in collegiate, corporate and law libraries. She led three study-service terms in Nicaragua while director of the Harold and Wilma Good Library of Goshen College. She’s been a radio host on 91.1 The Globe WGCS-FM, a singer, and a volunteer with community organizations. She earned her master’s degree from Simmons College in Boston. She lives in Dunlap with her husband and daughter, and currently serves on boards for Elkhart Rotary Club and Horizon Education Alliance, as well as the placemaking committee for the Community Foundation of Elkhart County.
Contact the board
The board will accept your input via email through the form below. Please note, all communications may be subject to release under Indiana’s public records law. Board meetings are open to the public unless posted in accordance with Indiana law as an executive session. To address the board in person at a meeting, please review the board policy and submit a participation request.
Upcoming meeting dates, all with 5:30 p.m. start time:
• Dec. 17, 2024 – Downtown location, 300 S. Second St.
• Jan. 21, 2025 – Downtown location, 300 S. Second St.
• Feb. 18, 2025 – Downtown location, 300 S. Second St.
• March 18, 2025 – Downtown location, 300 S. Second St.
• April 15, 2025 – Pierre Moran Branch, 2400 Benham Ave.
• May 20, 2025 – Downtown location, 300 S. Second St.
• June 17, 2025 – Osolo Branch, 3429 E. Bristol St.
• July 15, 2025 – Downtown location, 300 S. Second St.
• Aug. 19, 2025 – Cleveland Branch, 53715 C.R. 1
• Sept. 16, 2025 – Downtown location, 300 S. Second St.
• Oct. 21, 2025 – Downtown location, 300 S. Second St.
• Nov. 18, 2025 – Dunlap Branch, 58485 C.R. 13
• Dec. 16, 2025 – Downtown location, 300 S. Second St.