Grafton Public Library: Run For Board Of Library Trustees!

Press release from Grafton Public Library:

2022-03-15

We have two seats up for re-election in May, and only one candidate has pulled papers! Thank you so much to Daniela Sharma for her time, advocacy, voice, and service.

Interested in running? You must be over 18, a registered voter, and a Grafton resident. Please visit the Clerk’s office to pull papers.

Trustee responsibilities include:

Library boards of trustees carry out governing, policy, and planning activities to guide public libraries in communities throughout the country. In these turbulent times—when libraries face shrinking resources, demands for new technology services, and changing community expectations—trustees are much more than members of a traditional governing body. They are strategic leaders who serve as visionaries, community connectors, fundraisers, public voices, ambassadors, and persistent champions.

While library services are sometimes considered discretionary when it comes to allocating limited public funds, today’s library is an essential community resource that strengthens economic vitality, improves literacy, supports workforce development, and bridges the digital divide. As community leaders who understand the dimensions of modern library services, trustees can be the voice that shifts the library’s position among decision makers and funders from discretionary to essential.

Library familiarity is expected. Experience working with boards, fundraising, advocacy, and planning is desirable. Specifically, the Board seeks a candidate comfortable filling any of the following roles as defined and recommended by the MA Board of Library Commissioners:

This is an elected office; if no suitable candidates run, the Town of Grafton Board of Selectman may appoint a candidate to serve until next May Town election. The appointed candidate has the option to run for election against any other interested candidates.

The Library Board of Trustees meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month via Zoom. Meetings are recorded for later broadcast on GCTV Government Channel 34 (Verizon) or 191 (Charter). The time commitment is 4-6 hours per month.

For more about the Board of Library Trustees, please consider attending the next Board of Library Trustees meeting on Wednesday March 23, 2022, viewing past meetings online, reviewing minutes and agendas online, and visiting the MBLC guide for new trustees.

This press release was produced by Grafton Public Library. The views expressed here are the author’s own.