Meet your Board of Directors for 2026.

Standing left to right, Louise Canter, past president, Becky Kniskern, Mary Lynn Collins, Lorie Maltby (new), Kathy Svoboda, Barbara Brand, Debbe Oberhousen (new), Janet Meyer (term expired), and Lee Burchfield (new). Missing from photo are Christie Robinson and Paula Franklin (term expired).

A huge “Thank You” to Janet Meyer, Christie Robinson and Paula Franklin for their 2 terms (6 years) of dedication and service to Friends of Kentucky Libraries.

Seated left to right, Simon Boes, Jill Hoskins, Patti Jensen, and Patty Jones.

2026 Officers

Left to Right, Simon Boes, Treasurer, Jill Hoskins, President Elect, Patti Jensen, President, and Patty Jones, Secretary.

Denise Lyons, State Commissioner of Libraries

Denise Lyons is the Commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Libraries and Archives and State Librarian in Frankfort, Kentucky. Her background includes specialization in library administration and management, emergency preparedness, strategic planning, and family literacy. She came most recently from Raleigh as an adjunct lecturer for UNC Greensboro’s MLIS program and spent 14 years as the Deputy Director and Consultant for the South Carolina State Library. She has worked in all kinds of libraries and her MLIS is from the University of South Carolina as well as a MS in Public Services Management and Nonprofit Administration from DePaul University in Chicago. Denise grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan and is very fond of traveling.

Nikole Giseke, Library Development Branch Manager

Beth Milburn, KDLA – Deputy Commissioner

Eunice Murphy attended Pikeville College in Pikeville, Kentucky, her hometown, before moving to Louisville, KY. She has served as treasurer of the Shively Chapter of the Friends of the Louisville Free Public Libraries, and as a board member of the LFPL Council of Friends. Currently she runs our website and keeps our membership roster up-to-date.

Board of Directors Terms with possible re-elections.

Simon Boes – 1st term expires 12/31/2026
Barbara Brand – 1st term expires 12/31/2026
Jill Hoskins – 1st term expires 12/31/2026
Patty Jones – 1st term expires 12/31/2026
Kathy Svoboda – 1st term expires 12/31/2026
Lisa Rice- 1st term expires 12/31/2026
Catherine “Cubby” Ruby – 1st term expires 12/31/2026
Lee Burchfield – 1st term expires 12/31/2028
Debbe Oberhousen – 1st term expires 12/31/2028
Lorie Maltby – 1st term expires 12/31/2028
Louise Canter – 2nd term expires 12/31/2026
Patti Jensen – 2nd term expires 12/31/2028

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