Walter Burkhalter is set to retire at the end of this month, following a distinguished career of more than 30 years of strengthening public libraries across Wisconsin. Since beginning his library career in 1990, Burkhalter has held leadership roles at the local, system, and state levels, earning a reputation as a thoughtful administrator and trusted mentor within the library community.

From 2002 to 2012, Burkhalter served as Director of the Mid-Wisconsin Federated Library System, where he provided steady leadership and played a key role in major statewide efforts, including research on the economic impact of public libraries in Wisconsin. His work helped demonstrate the essential value libraries bring to their communities and informed advocacy efforts across the state.

Burkhalter later brought his expertise to the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction as a Public Library Administration Consultant, supporting libraries statewide through guidance on governance, planning, and operations. This role further expanded his influence, as he worked directly with library leaders, navigating complex administrative and service challenges.

In 2015, Burkhalter joined the Fontana Public Library as Director, where he focused on strengthening daily operations, supporting staff, and ensuring responsive library services for the community. Alongside this work, he continued serving Wisconsin libraries as an independent consultant, offering administrative and planning support to libraries and government partners.

A graduate of the University of Wisconsin–Madison’s Library and Information Science program, Burkhalter has been an engaged member of the Wisconsin library community throughout his career, including active involvement with the Wisconsin Library Association. His legacy is one of quiet leadership, deep expertise, and a lasting commitment to helping libraries—and the people they serve—thrive.