Library Leadership
Library Management
Thad Hartman is the Chief of Staff at the Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library. He is responsible for leading operational and administrative functions for Collections, Community & Strategic Services, Facilities, Public Services and Safety & Security. In addition, he assists the CEO and Management Council in ensuring that services and resources align with organizational priorities and are reflective of, and responsive to, identified community needs.
Thad began his career as a shelving assistant at the library in 1993. He has worked in a variety of positions at the library, including most recently as Community and Strategic Services Manager. He has lead numerous projects throughout his career including the implementation of the Library @ Work program, Smartlockers, and the community center computer labs. He has also been the co-host of Hush, the library’s podcast, for the last several years. Two of the major initiatives that Thad is currently focused on is the implementation of the Facilities Master Plan and Community Impact Goals.
As a lifelong Topekan Thad developed his love of reading at a young age by going to the library and checking out Choose Your Own Adventure books, sports biographies, and books about bigfoot. Thad’s proudest moments at the library include being a member of the 2016 Library of the Year, being named an American Library Association Emerging Leader in 2006, and once managing the library softball team to a 1-11 record.