West Springfield Public Library 

Board of 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.

Interested parties should send a letter of interest and/or a completed WSPL Trustee Interest Form to the Office of the Mayor, 26 Central Street, West Springfield, MA  01089.  Explain why you are willing to volunteer as a trustee and what you might contribute to the work of the  Board of Trustees. 

DESCRIPTION:

Members of the West Springfield Board of 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