Trustee Tale
Trustee Tale is a joint project of the Manitowoc Calumet Library System, Nicolet Library System, Outagamie Waupaca Library System, Winnefox Library System and Wisconsin Valley Library Service.
If you have questions, comments, or suggestions for future articles, contact your system director:
To view issues released prior to 2020, visit the Trustee Tale Archive.
Latest Issues
The Library Board and Closed Sessions
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
The Library Board and Open Meetings Law
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
A Beginner’s Guide to Library Legislative Day
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.
Board Behavior & Expectations
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:
Policy Development with the Library Board
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:
The Library and Service Animals
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