Congratulations! You are a Public Library Trustee...Now What?

One of the important responsibilities you have as a trustee is to secure adequate funding for the library.  As you have seen in previous pages, preparing a budget is a duty and along with that, a strong connection to local government officials is part of how your duties for securing funding happen.

Local governments have a variety of officials you may interact with as a trustee.  Who you interact with may depend on the form of government, county or municipal, and other factors.

It is a good idea to get to know the governance structure and the officials you need to work with to advocate for and support your library.

• Clerk (may be city or county)
• Treasurer (may be city or county)
• City Council
• County Commission
• Mayor
• City Manager
• County Administrator
• Clerk-Treasurer – in smaller locations this position is often combined
• Finance Director
• Attorney (may be city or county)

The director, board, and local government officials must work together. It’s important for you to get to know your county and city officials. Ask them about the needs of your community. Find out what is important to them. It will make it easier for you to communicate with them about the importance of the library and why it matters.

The Montana Association of Counties (MACO) is a great organization to get to know if you are a county library system.  Visit their website for links that will help you get in touch with your county officials. The link will open in a new browser tab.

The Montana League of Cities and Towns is your starting place for city libraries. Visit their website for links that will help you get in touch with municipal officials. The link will open in a new browser tab.