This Fact Sheet summarizes responsibilities of governing boards, which have full decision-making authority for a library or a library system. Governing boards, with a broad range of powers and duties defined by state law, are the policy-making bodies for all library districts and for some cities that operate their own library primarily cities using the charter form of government. In the case of those cities, the charter itself may have library provisions that supplement state law. Public library boards of trustees are composed of five or seven citizen volunteers who serve without compensation. They are appointed, by county commissioners in the case of library districts, and mayors and councils in the case of cities.
State law limits trustees to two consecutive terms.
They serve without pay. In the case of library districts, the board of trustees also has authority to levy property taxes, under prescribed limits. Representing their constituents, boards of trustees respond to local needs and conditions in their decision-making, tailoring services and programs to their communities. They also build community support for the library and its programs. Their meetings are open and public input is encouraged.