1. APPOINTMENTS

Trustees are appointed by the Mayor of Palos Heights and approved by the City Council. The Board consists of nine members serving staggered three-year terms, unless filling a vacancy. New members must be sworn in by the City Clerk before beginning their duties.


2. ORIENTATION OF NEW TRUSTEES

Every new Trustee, prior to attending the first meeting, shall receive a briefing through a personal call by the President of the Board or his/her appointee, and a packet of information including the yearly budget, policy manual, the previous month’s Board Meeting Minutes and Treasurer’s Report, and library system information.. The Trustee should be made aware of the Illinois Library Laws and Trustee handbooks, which are available at the Library.


3. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES:

  1. Employ a competent and qualified Administrative Librarian.
  2. Observe without interfering in the administrative or operational aspects of the Library.
  3. Determine, adopt, and review written policies to govern the operation and program of the Library.
  4. Learn what the community needs from the Library. Keep aware of trends and developments which affect the Library.
  5. Establish, support, and participate in a planned public relations program.
  6. Ensure the Library has adequate funding to serve community needs by approving the annual budget, appropriation, and tax levy. Ensure the Library conducts its financial, personnel, and business dealings in a legal, prudent, and responsible way.
  7. Take part in setting the Library’s overall mission, objectives, and long-range plan which includes the program of library services.
  8. Ensure the keeping of accurate and complete minutes of all official meetings. Regularly review meeting minutes and pertinent reports.
  9. Know local and state laws; actively support library legislation at the state and national level.
  10. Attend and take an active part in Board and Committee meetings. Also, attend regional, state, and national trustee meetings and workshops and affiliate with the appropriate professional organizations.
  11. Report as necessary to the governing officials and the general public.
  12. Avoid participation in any Library decision-making which constitutes a conflict of interest.

4. BOARD PRIVILEGES

Each trustee will be supplied an iPad or similar device. Upon termination, the iPad must be returned to the Library.



Adopted October, 1991
Revised October, 1997
Revised March, 2006
Revised June 18, 2012