Manatee County Restructures Library System and Chief of Staff Role Amid Organizational Shifts

In recent weeks, Manatee County has implemented significant organizational changes that have affected its public library system and county administration structure. The Library System has been moved to a new department, and the Administrator’s Chief of Staff position is being reclassified.

The Library System, previously housed within the Department of Community and Veteran Services, has been relocated to the Department of Sports and Leisure Services. This change, part of Administrator Charlie Bishop’s reorganization efforts, was formalized last week when county commissioners approved the November 24 BOCC meeting consent agenda. The move transitions over 100 employees and a budget of $11.2 million to the smaller Sports and Leisure Department.

County officials emphasized that the shift aligns with the administration’s 2025 “Building Relationships and Removing Barriers” Plan of Service. They highlighted potential synergies between park programming and library initiatives, noting existing collaborations like the storybook trail at Lincoln Park. Officials also anticipate the restructuring will promote enhanced community engagement, program growth, and expanded library infrastructure and resources investment.

Molly White, director of the Sports and Leisure Services Department, now oversees the Library System. White, who has advanced her career within the county since 2018, brings extensive experience in community and recreational programming to the role.

The reorganization comes amid ongoing debates surrounding the Library System, including decisions on book labeling, advisory board appointments, and the library's disaffiliation with the American Library Association earlier this year. These controversies have drawn significant public and media attention, reflecting heightened scrutiny of library governance.

Separately, Andrew Butterfield, previously the Administrator’s Chief of Staff, has resigned. Butterfield, who was appointed last year, was the first to hold the Chief of Staff position in the county’s history. His departure coincides with plans to reclassify the role into a Director of Government Relations position.

The new director role will focus on legislative coordination, economic development, and business relations while serving as a liaison to the local Economic Development Council. Applications for the position closed earlier this week, with interviews scheduled to begin shortly.

These structural changes reflect the county’s broader efforts to optimize departmental collaboration, enhance services, and address evolving community needs. As these transitions unfold, county officials remain focused on ensuring continued support for residents through improved library services and streamlined administrative operations.