NORTHAMPTON — The Forbes Library Board of Trustees will see four of its seven seats on the ballot this November and representatives within the library are urging interested members of the public to consider running to join the governing body of the library.
Trustees are responsible for the hiring and evaluation of the director and the oversight of the library budget and policies. As an example, Forbes Library eliminated fines after trustees voted on and approved a new policy a few years back.
Trustees also fundraise and advocate for the library, as well as attend monthly meetings and serve on working committees. The roles are filled by seven people in total, elected through the general election, and term of office is four years. These are volunteer positions and are open to any registered voter in Northampton.
“We seek to have a board that reflects the diversity of the community and who brings their professional expertise and personal experiences to the table,” said Forbes Library Director Lisa Downing. “This, along with a strong interest in libraries and community service, makes for a fantastic trustee.”
To be put on the Nov. 4 ballot for library trustee, individuals must take out papers by making an appointment with the City Clerk of Northampton. These papers are available at the City Clerk’s Office in Northampton’s City Hall. Applicants then need to have their papers signed by at least 50 Northampton registered voters and return them to the Registrar’s Office in City Hall by July 21.
“They do a lot more as well as help us with our strategic plan and outreach to the community,” added Forbes Library Assistant Director Molly Moss on the role of a Forbes trustee. “There’s just always something kind of new happening at the library.”
Moss shared that there are a handful of exciting projects on the horizon for the library and trustees will have the chance to be involved in the processes that come and help continue to shape Forbes Library as the community foundation it is.
“We are definitely very lucky to be here in the valley,” Moss said. “Forbes Library has one of the largest circulations in Central and Western Massachusetts I think because people here really love their books and love reading.”
Those interested in learning more about serving as a member of the Forbes Library Board of Trustees are encouraged to contact Downing at director@forbeslibrary.org, or any of the current Board of Trustees of the library. Individuals from historically underrepresented communities are strongly encouraged to run for office.
More information is available on the library’s website at forbeslibrary.org/trustees.
