Library Board of Trustees

I have received several questions over the last few months about the Forsyth County Public Library Board of Trustees.  The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the role of the Library Board.  You can access information on the Library Board (i.e., contact information, meeting agendas and minutes, Constitution and Bylaws) on the Library’s website.

The Board is the governing authority of FCPL.  Its powers and duties are prescribed by state law (O.C.G.A. §§ 20-5-41 through 20-5-44) and the Board’s Constitution and Bylaws.  Here are the duties of the Board as listed in the Bylaws (similar wording to O.C.G.A.):

(a)      To employ a director who meets state certification requirements.

(b)      To delegate to the director authority to employ other employees as necessary.

(c)      To approve budgets prepared by the director and assume responsibility for the presentation of the library’s fiscal needs to the supporting agencies.

(d)      To attend board meetings.

(e)      To establish policies governing the library.

(f)       To set policy for the receipt and administration of gifts of money and property.

(g)      To present financial and progress reports to governing officials and the public.

(h)      To notify the appropriate authorities of a vacancy on the board so that a person may be appointed to complete unexpired or full terms.

(i)        To notify the director in advance of all meetings of the board and its committees.

In other words, the Board is responsible for hiring and evaluating the director, approving budgets and ensuring we are good stewards of public funds, approving policies drafted by staff, providing strategic direction, and advocating for the library in the community (especially with funding entities).  Along with the director, the Board also represents the library by attending and speaking at high-profile events such as groundbreakings, ribbon cuttings, Board of Commission meetings, and Forsyth Reads Together author events. 

Although Board members are interested in and care about internal library issues, their primary role is external.  They are not involved in day-to-day library operations.  Their personnel roles are to employ and evaluate the director and to conduct hearings under the Appeals Procedure (Personnel Policy F-6).  Lack of Board involvement in staffing matters does not reflect a lack of interest or concern.  Rather, it reflects an understanding by the Board of their role and the role of the director, and it reflects a trust in administrative staff.  (The director’s job description is available on SharePoint.)

Library Board members are unpaid volunteers.  Consistent with state law governing public libraries, FCPL Board members are appointed by our funding entity, the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners (BOC).  Just as there are five Commissioners (one for each district) in Forsyth County, there are five Library Board members, each representing a specific district.  Board members serve staggered four-year terms.  Board members do not have term limits, but reappointment is at the discretion of the Board of Commissioners.  The other Board members and staff do not have control over who is appointed to the Board.

Library Board meetings are held in compliance with the Georgia Open Meetings Act.  Members of the public and staff are welcome to attend; agendas are provided to members of the media.  Meeting dates, agendas, and minutes are posted on the Library’s website.   The Board has scheduled meetings in January, February, March, May, July, September, and November.  Additional meetings are added as needed for unexpected time-sensitive matters.

I hope this overview of the role of the Library Board is helpful.  Please don’t hesitate to ask me if you have questions.