Brandon Twp.- The library is looking for a few good board members.
Library Director Paula Gauthier said this week that of the six boardmembers currently serving, five have announced they will not run again when their term expires this year.
‘I need to retire,? said Margaret Lee in explaining her decision to not seek reelection. ‘You need new blood on the board. That’s only good business…It’s time for younger people to take up the torch.?
Besides Lee, Matt Ault, Beth Bordner, Frank Genovese, and Alice Hine have informed Gauthier they plan to step down. RoyAnn Hassinger has not made a decision yet, but said she will ‘possibly? run again.
Gauthier said it is unfortunate that a state library law from 1877 dictates that all library board trustees are elected at the same time, to four-year terms that end at the same time.
She is not surprised that so many board members are choosing to not run for another term.
‘It’s very typical in a library board,? she said. ‘Libraries are full of change. This is an opportunity for us to develop a strategic plan based on new insights.?
The library currently has a strategic plan that goes through 2009. At the end of this year, new strategic planning for years 2010-2012 will begin, involving the community, staff and the library board of trustees.
Responsibilities of a library board member include attending board meetings (held once per month); participating at meetings; supporting board decisions; advocating for the library; participation in training activities; and supporting the library director, who oversees the day-to-day operation of the library. The library board conducts the director’s performance review and has final authority over the position.
The board is also authorized to adopt bylaws and rules for the board and policies, rules and regulations regarding use of the library; approve an annual library budget; control the expenditures of all funds credited to the library fund; develop and approve the strategic plan for the library; maintain control over the building and grounds of the library; and appoint, supervise, evaluate, discipline or remove a director.
Library board positions are unpaid.
Issues the library is currently facing, Gauthier said, include potential decline in taxable income and finding other ways of raising income.
‘Although library income doesn’t decline, it’s not keeping pace with the cost of services,? she said.
Gauthier hopes to have several trustee candidates on the ballot for the November election. Candidates must be at least 18-years-old and a resident of Brandon Township. Candidates must gather 40-50 petition signatures prior to the filing deadline, which is usually in mid-May, or they can pay a $100 fee to forego circulating a petition. Candidates can also file as write-in candidates several days prior to the general election. The top six vote-getters win seats on the board. Details: (248) 627-1460.