By Clairellyn Sommersmith, Director of Winnefox Library System Libraries operate with tax dollars. But how and from which communities? As a trustee, it is important to understand where the library’s budget comes from and be good stewards of these funds. Just as the library serves a greater community, library dollars come from that same great […]
A Brief Introduction to Library Funding Read More »
Are your monthly board meetings efficient and effective? Trustee Essential 4: Effective Board Meetings and Trustee Participation covers the basics of running library board meetings and provides useful samples of an agenda and annual calendar. Here are some more tips to help you spend time wisely and accomplish as much as possible. Always let the
Tips for Effective Board Meetings Read More »
The State of Wisconsin recognized the importance of having a public informed about governmental affairs and adopted policies to ensure the public is receiving the fullest and most complete information regarding the affairs of government. In order to advance this policy, the open meetings law requires that “all meetings of all state and local governmental
The Library Board and Closed Sessions Read More »
Wisconsin’s open meetings law supports the principle that the public is entitled to the fullest and most complete information regarding the affairs of government as is compatible with the conduct of government business. To this end, all meetings of state and local government bodies (including library boards) must be held in places reasonably accessible to
The Library Board and Open Meetings Law Read More »
Every year on a Tuesday in February, the Wisconsin Library Association (WLA) hosts Library Legislative Day. Library supporters from across the state gather in Madison to meet with state legislators and share the value of libraries in our communities. In 2025, the event will be held on Tuesday, February 11.
A Beginner’s Guide to Library Legislative Day Read More »
Congratulations! You have been appointed to a public library board, now what? What does it all mean for you?
First, let’s consider the reasons why public library boards are composed of various types of citizen appointees. Those reasons include:
Board Behavior & Expectations Read More »
Policies may not prevent problems from arising in your library, but having up-to-date policies equips staff with the tools they need to face routine or tough issues when they do arise. Well-written, board-approved policies achieve several things:
Policy Development with the Library Board Read More »
Libraries want to be spaces that are welcoming to all. But sometimes a welcoming space for one, infringes on the space or safety of another. This is why behavior policies are so important. A behavior policy should clearly explain how a patron must conduct themselves in the library and on library property and what consequences will result from policy
The Library and Service Animals Read More »
Do you recognize this statement from the library annual report? “The library’s board membership complies with statutory requirements regarding appointment, length of term, number of members and composition.” Each year, by checking the boxes and approving the report, library boards indicate compliance with the statutory requirements found in s. 43.54 (municipal and joint libraries), s. 43.57 (4) & (5) (consolidated and county library services), and s. 43.60(3) (library extension and interchange).
Library Board Appointments Read More »
