About the Board

Legal Responsibilities

  • Works closely with municipal officials.
  • Responsible for custody and management of the library (unless otherwise provided by municipal charter or special legislation).
  • Seek municipal legal counsel when needed (with Director).
  • Follow all local, state, and federal laws and regulations that affect public libraries (with Director).

Governance and Policy-Making Responsibilities

  • Hires and evaluates the director unless otherwise dictated by state or local laws.
  • Adopts library policies and plans and board by-laws and procedures.
  • Approves and supports the budget.
  • Reviews reports, stays informed, and represents the community.
  • Notifies appropriate authorities of board vacancies.
  • Develop and review priorities for the library (with Director).

Financial Responsibilities

  • Reviews the director’s budget request, makes recommendations, and officially adopts the budget.
  • Actively supports and advocates for the budget.
  • Reports annually to municipal officials on trustee-controlled funds.
  • Keeps informed of the library's financial status, funding sources, and needs.
  • Present and defend budget requests to municipal funding authorities (with Director).
  • Attend all budget hearings (with Director).
  • Seek additional sources of funding with the Director (grants, private, other) (with Director).

Strategic Planning Responsibilities

  • Approves strategic plan.
  • Actively participate in strategic planning (with Director).
  • Involve the community in the planning process (with Director).
  • Conduct community analysis and survey of library services (with Director).
  • Review and evaluate the plan (with Director).

Human Resources Responsibilities

  • Hires and evaluates the director unless otherwise dictated by state or local laws.
  • Determines and advocates for optimal salary and benefits for employees.
  • Adheres to personnel policies.
  • Conducts annual review of board performance.
  • Observe all local, state, and federal laws related to current employment practices (with Director).
  • Orient new trustees (with Director).

Continuing Education Responsibilities

  • Creates and adopts a policy that demonstrates a commitment to the importance of continuing education for all staff and trustees.
  • Provide and encourage ongoing learning opportunities for staff and trustees (with Director).
  • Encourage and financially support membership and active participation in professional organizations (with Director).