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

You are one of five members of a board of trustees appointed by a mayor or county commission presiding officer.

Five-year terms are staggered for each trustee so that under normal circumstances, there may be a new member appointed each year.  Sometimes, and in accordance with Montana law, a trustee will serve until a new appointment can be made.

A Chair and Vice-Chair are elected from the members to be the officers of the board.  Your bylaws and Code of Ethics (if your board has adopted one) define when officers are elected and what their responsibilities are.

Questions to Ask

• Where can I find the bylaws?
• How long has each of my fellow trustees served?
• Who is the Chair of the board?
• What is the proper chain of communication for questions that come up?

The next page provides an overview of the laws that govern the makeup of public library boards.