Join The Westport Library Board of Trustees
The Westport Library Board of Trustees, in collaboration with Westport’s Representative Town Meeting, is seeking candidates to fill upcoming vacancies on the Board.
About The Westport Library
The Westport Library is a beacon of excellence among public libraries. As the only 5-star library in Connecticut, it ranks among the top 1.6% of public libraries nationwide. The Library serves as a vibrant community hub---fostering connections, providing essential resources and supporting lifelong learning.
Position Summary
Serving as a Trustee offers civic-minded individuals the chance to make a meaningful impact in their community by guiding the Library in its mission. Trustees play a key role in helping assure that the Library remains a vital community resource and a center of innovation and engagement.
Responsibilities
- Governance & Fiduciary Duty: Help assure that The Westport Library fulfills its mission, maintains financial stability and complies with all applicable legal and regulatory requirements.
- Strategic Oversight: Participate in shaping and monitoring the Library’s long-term goals, policies and strategic priorities to maintain excellence and community relevance.
- Collaboration with Leadership: Support and advise the Executive Director and Library leadership, providing guidance while respecting operational boundaries. Trustees do not manage day-to-day operations but actively partner with leadership to advance strategic goals.
- Financial Stewardship & Support: Review budgets, monitor expenditures and support the Library’s fundraising efforts. Contributions to the Library’s annual fund are encouraged as a way to demonstrate leadership and help extend the Library’s impact. Trustees also partner with staff-led initiatives to maximize the Library’s reach.
- Advocacy & Community Engagement: Serve as ambassadors for the Library, promoting its programs, services and impact. Advocacy and engagement are active responsibilities, undertaken proactively and independently, not merely in response to prompts or events.
- Board Participation & Accountability: Attend meetings, actively contribute to discussions and serve on committees. Trustees are expected to fulfill assigned responsibilities and uphold collective accountability.
- Intellectual Freedom & Policy Alignment: Support and protect the Library’s commitment to intellectual freedom. Personal beliefs must not influence decisions, programs or public communications.
- Continuous Learning: Stay informed about public library best practices, trends and legal and regulatory matters affecting the Library.
Qualifications
- Candidate must be a resident of Westport during the 12-month period
preceding June 30, 2026.
- Ability to work collaboratively with others.
- Fundraising experience and strong community connections are highly encouraged.
- Knowledge of public funding, and prior board service, are advantageous.
- Skills in strategic planning, finance, law, nonprofit operations or in areas supporting innovation and digital strategy are valued but not required.
Application Details
Trustee appointments typically span four years, this year beginning July 1, 2026. Interested candidates should email a resume and letter of interest to Sally Presutto at [email protected] by March 20, 2026. Applicants are encouraged to review the Library’s Strategic Plan and website to learn more about the Board’s role. Qualified candidates will be contacted with further information on the interview process.
