Vacancies on Library Board of Trustees

March 14, 2023

The Westport Library Board and Westport’s Representative Town Meeting are seeking candidates to fill vacancies on the Library Board of Trustees.

In January, The Westport Library was honored with a 5-star rating from Public Library Service’s 2022 Library Journal Index — the highest score available — distinguishing it as one of the top libraries in the United States. The Westport Library is the only 5-star library in the state of Connecticut, per the Library Journal Index. Overall, 5,359 public libraries were assessed for 2022, 85 of which received 5-star status, placing The Westport Library in the top 1.6% of public libraries in the U.S.

The Westport Library received the top honor due to its ability to deliver services and value through a unique combination of resources, people, and space that is not replicated by any other local government agency. The Library is a community hub and community partner, connecting people to essential services and resources while also fostering a community of lifelong learners. Books are just the starting point. Anyone who walks into The Westport Library will find state-of-the art media studios, a makerspace, business resources, and hundreds of public programs. Anyone who visits the Library online will discover e-books, databases, and virtual programs and events. Anyone in the Library also has access to critical technology, including high-speed broadband that supports the need for information and also increases digital equity in our community.

Position Summary:
The position of Trustee is for a civic-minded individual motivated by the opportunity to make a valuable contribution and with the willingness to use his/her skills to guide the Library and ensure it remains a valuable resource to the community.

A position on the Board includes:

• Working closely with the Library’s Executive Director, dedicating time to learn about and help support Library funding, policies, and planning. The Executive Director enacts the policies of the Board to assure that the needs and expectations of the taxpayers, donors, patrons, and employees are being met in the best way possible.
• Establishing and supporting policies, developing long-range plans, monitoring the Library’s budget, and fund-raising.
• Accountability to the public for ensuring that the Library is operated in an efficient and productive manner.
• Hiring and evaluating the Executive Director.
• Being an active advocate for the Library, enthusiastically educating friends and associates about the Library’s many offerings.
• Attendance at monthly Board and committee meetings.
• Serve on committees as assigned by the Board President.
• Represents the Library at community events — be visible and accessible to those you represent.
• Being informed about Library issues and about state laws that govern public libraries.

Requirements:

• Current resident of the Town of Westport.
• Ability to participate and work cooperatively with others.
• Skills in management, planning, building, marketing, finance, and law are welcome additions to the Board.
• Knowledge of public funding, fundraising, and service on other boards, particularly not-for-profit boards, is a plus.

Notes:

• Trustee appointments will generally be for a four-year term beginning on July 1, 2023, unless a Trustee is being elected to serve out the unexpired term of a Trustee who has resigned.
• There are 20 members on the Library Board of Trustees, half of whom are appointed by the Representative Town Meeting and half of whom are appointed by the Library Board itself.
• More information about the role of the Library Board of Trustees is available on the Library’s website. Applicants are encouraged to review the Library’s Strategic Plan, which guides the Library in decision-making and budgeting.

Those interested in applying should email a resume and letter of interest to Robin Powell at [email protected], no later than April 17, 2023, indicating how their past work and experience qualify them for consideration as a Trustee. Following receipt of this material, candidate qualifications will be reviewed by the Executive Director and Chair of the Governance and Nominations committee. Those possessing the current needs of the Library will be invited to attend a meeting to receive more detailed information about the Library and the Trustee role and be interviewed by the Executive Director, the Board President, and the Governance & Nominations Committee.