Please read the following information about the duties of a Library Board Trustee before completing the application below.

In order to provide quality library service to Trimble County, the Trimble County Public Library requires a working team of a Library Director and a Board of Trustees who are informed and make the necessary decisions. The Board will actively seek applicants to fill any vacancy that occurs.

The Library Board is composed of five trustees who are appointed by the County Judge Executive with the approval of the fiscal court from a list provided by the Commissioner of the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives. The Board meet once each month at a regularly scheduled time.  A quorum, or majority, of three trustees is required to make decisions.  Board meetings are open to the public and must be held in a public place. The library board’s minutes, budget, annual report and many other documents are subject to open records requests.

A trustee term is four years, unless fulfilling an unexpired term. Board members can serve for two consecutive terms.  No authority rests in the individual trustee; only in the board taking action as a quorum.  More than three absences from regular monthly board meetings during any 1 2 -month period of a trustee’s term results in an automatic resignation. It is critical that each person appointed to the Board of Trustees be willing to perform the duties of a trustee.  Trustees receive no payment for their work.

Prospective Trustees should be aware of the following criteria:
--Commit the time that is necessary to carry out the duties of a Trustee.  This includes time to become and
   stay knowledgeable about public library issues, to attend Board meetings, and to carry out Board
   assignments.  
--Be genuinely interested in public libraries and understand the importance of public libraries in meeting the
  educational, recreational, and informational needs of the community.
--Understand the local community, its social and cultural needs, and be willing to communicate those needs
  to the Board.
--Be able to work with others to reach a common goal.
--Be open-minded, intellectually curious, and respectful of the opinions of others.
--Have the courage to plan creatively and direct the effective implementation of those plans.
--Be able to withstand pressures and prejudice that would restrict or prevent equal library service to all.

Duties of a Trustee:
• Be familiar with Library policy.  Work with a quorum to set library policy and tax rates.  
• Employ and evaluate the director.
• Help set long range plans for the library.  
• Be an advocate for the library in the community and with state and local officials.  
• As a team member, contribute your ideas, questions, and concerns on all issues under discussion and allow everyone to freely contribute differing viewpoints

If a candidate has questions or requires additional information, please contact a Trustee or attend a Board meeting.  Board meetings are held the third Thursday of every month at 5:30 P.M. at the Trimble County Public Library Meeting Room.