The Board has authority to prescribe employees' duties, fix compensation, and, given a just cause, remove them. The Board also submits the proposed Library budget to the City Council, controls finances of the Library, leases and purchases land for the Library, purchases books, periodicals, and other supplies, and generally does anything that is necessary for the orderly and efficient management and control of the Library. The Board voluntarily worked with the Personnel Department of City Hall to hire a new director. The Board approved a bond issue to renovate and preserve both libraries and has kept up to date on the construction by hiring an architect, processing bids, and paying construction expenditures. The Board also acts on recommendations made by the director and approves monthly operating expenditures.
Meetings last approximately one and one-half hours to three hours.
Time is spent outside of meetings in studying the agenda, but this time is not extensive. The Board consists of five members appointed by the Mayor with approval by the Council. Terms of office are five years, with a maximum of two consecutive terms. Members do not receive compensation for service as trustees, but expenses incurred shall be paid from the Library fund.