Become a Trustee

Libraries are a vibrant part of our communities. They are centers for learning and culture. They are where the community meets. They can be architectural showcases or even tourist attractions, but one thing remains constant: Libraries need a diverse group of community members to serve on their boards and to be stewards of their public trust.

Library trustees have many areas of responsibility, including policy and resource development, financial oversight, awareness of community-issues and legislative development, and connecting the library and the community. A successful library trustee should have vision, energy, intellectual curiosity and of course, a willingness to champion the library.

A trustee can join the library board in a number of ways, many of which differ from state to state. Some trustees are appointed and some are elected. Some library boards have advisory boards, and some have governing boards. To learn more about how your local library board is established or to get involved, talk to your librarian or a city official.

To learn more about library trusteeship or to connect with other library trustees, contact the Association for Library Trustees, Advocates, Friends and Foundations (ALTAFF):

800.545.2433, ext. 2161
altaff@ala.org
Visit the ALTAFF Website.