Submitted by Whatcom County Library System
Whatcom County residents with a passion for public libraries are encouraged to apply for a vacancy on the Whatcom County Library System (WCLS) Board of Trustees to fill a partial term that runs through January 31, 2017. The term begins immediately upon appointment. Trustees are appointed by the Whatcom County Executive.
“It’s an exciting time to be a trustee for the Whatcom County Library System,” said Christine Perkins, Executive Director. “We’re developing the 2016-2020 strategic plan for the library system and refining the design for a new library facility in Point Roberts.”
Applicants for the open trustee position should be civic-minded, interested in exploring new avenues of library service, and available to attend regular monthly public meetings and occasional special public meetings. Currently, regular meetings are held on the third Tuesday of each month at 9 a.m. at the WCLS Administrative and Processing Center, 5205 Northwest Drive, Bellingham. The meeting day and time could be changed to accommodate a new trustee’s schedule.
Being a library trustee is both an honor and an important responsibility. Duties include attending meetings, strategic planning, setting policy, approving expenditures and payroll, and adopting an annual budget. Day to day management of WCLS is entrusted to the executive director, who is hired by the Board. Trustees are not compensated except for mileage costs to attend meetings.
Information about WCLS and the library board, including minutes, agendas, and bylaws, can be found athttp://www.wcls.org/library-board-of-trustees. For questions about service on the library board, contact executive director Christine Perkins at 360-305-3600, press 4, then press 201.
Application and instructions are available on the Whatcom County Executive’s website:http://www.co.whatcom.wa.us/executive/. Completed applications can be faxed, mailed, or delivered to the Executive’s office, 311 Grand Avenue, Suite 108, Bellingham, 360-676-6717.
