A sepia-toned photo of the West Springfield Public Library

 West Springfield 
Board of Library Trustees 

Thank you for expressing interest in serving as a trustee of the library. A seat opens when a trustee's term expires or there is a resignation.  When either occurs, all applicants will be given consideration by the Mayor who brings names to the attention of the City Council. Following a vote, the mayor appoints new trustees who are sworn into office by the town clerk.

The Town of West Springfield now has a convenient Google Form for those who wish to serve on various boards, including the Library Board of Trustees. Interested parties can click on this link: Request for Appointment for Volunteer Boards/Committees and select "Library Board of Trustees" from the drop down menu.

 

DESCRIPTION:

Members of the West Springfield Board of Library Trustees: 

  • Are appointed by the mayor and approved by the Town Council to serve a 3 year term
  • Attend monthly Board meetings; reviewing, minutes, agenda, and prepared materials in advance
  • Act in cooperation with the Director of the library and understand general library operation
  • Serve on subcommittees; participate in conferences and library legislative events
  • Establish, review and update Trustee bylaws and library policies annually or as needed
  • Is informed about, advocates for, and represents the library and its services in the community
    Participates in ongoing strategic planning
  • Adheres to the Massachusetts Public Meetings Laws
  • Supports basic library tenets such as: Intellectual Freedom, Freedom to Read, Confidentiality of Patron Records, Library Bill of Rights, and the Public's Right to Information
  • Actively participates in library related workshops and activities by Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners and other library professional organizations
  • Becomes aware of local, state and federal library laws and issues, taking action when appropriate, and contacts local and state elected officials as needed
  • Abides by majority decisions reached by the Board and publicly supports these decisions
  • Keeps up with current library trends and practices through:  
    • Reading the literature
    • Attending professional meetings
    • Visiting other libraries
    • Talking to trustees from other libraries 

 

QUALIFICATIONS: 

  • Commitment to provide the best possible library service for the  community
  • An abiding interest in the library and the community
  • Support for local, state, and national library organizations, joining  those deemed most appropriate
  • Readiness to devote time and effort to the duties of trusteeship
  • Ability to work with people, lead meetings, and communicate effectively