In 2019, the Westport Library reopened after a two-year, multi-million dollar “Transformation Project.” The physical spaces and technologies were redesigned to increase visibility, flexibility, and connectedness. Our vision centered on preparing for the unknown, equipping ourselves to deal with constant change, and the evolving needs of the community we serve.
The Library Board and Westport's Representative Town Meeting are seeking candidates to fill vacancies on the Library Board of Trustees. The Library is interested in meeting with candidates with previous board experience with an expertise in finance, fundraising and development for non-profits, knowledge, expertise, and understanding of current trends in media and information technology, and entrepreneurs with experience with business and economic development and innovation.
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. It includes working closely with the Library's Executive Director and dedicating time to learn about Library funding, policies, and planning. Board members participate in establishing and supporting policies, developing long-range plans, monitoring the Library's budget, and fundraising.
The Board of Trustees is accountable to the public for ensuring that the Library operates in an efficient and a productive manner. The Library is managed by the Executive Director, who is hired by the Board. The Executive Director enacts the policies of the Board to assure that the needs and expectations of the taxpayers, donors, patrons, and employees are met in the best way possible. Board members are also advocates for the Library, enthusiastically educating friends and associates about the Library's many offerings.
Responsibilities:
- Hire and evaluate the Executive Director.
- Work with the Executive Director to establish and support policies.
- Work with the Executive Director to develop long-range plans that meet community needs.
- Work with the Executive Director and staff to develop and approve the Library's annual budget.
- Understand the Library's budget and financial requirements and advocate for funding necessary to meet the needs of the Library from a variety of sources.
- Attend monthly Board meetings and Committee meetings.
- Serve on committees as assigned by the Board President.
- Advocate for the Library regularly and in diverse settings throughout the community
- Encouraging and support innovation, creativity, and supporting change while embracing new ways of doing things, even if unproven by the Library.
- Be informed about Library issues and about state laws that govern public libraries.
Trustee appointments will generally be for a four-year term beginning on July 1, 2022, 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 at westportlibrary.org. There also is a link to the Library's Strategic Plan, which guides the Library in decision-making and budgeting.
Applicants must be residents of the Town of Westport.
Those interested in applying should email a resume and letter of interest to Robin Powell at rpowell@westportlibrary.org no later than April 25, 2022 indicating how their work and experience qualify them for consideration as a Trustee.