Contact: Tess Mayer
Director of Library Services
Berkeley Public Library
510.981.6100
tmayer@cityofberkeley.info
Join the Berkeley Public Library Board of Library Trustees
Apply by 5pm on May 24, 2021
Berkeley, California (April 8, 2021) –The City of Berkeley is currently accepting applications to fill one vacancy on the Berkeley Public Library Board of Library Trustees (BOLT).
Candidates should be public library champions, passionate about lifelong learning and community engagement. A demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion is essential. In addition, candidates with leadership, business, management and/or administrative skills are encouraged to apply.
Role of Trustees
With assistance from the Library Director, Trustees formulate policy and serve as managing agents of the Library Fund. BOLT has the legal authority and responsibility to see that the Library is well-managed, and that it operates in accordance with the Berkeley City Charter (Article VII, Section 30) and Berkeley Municipal Code (Chapter 3.04).
Trustees are appointed for a term of four years. Trustees must reside in Berkeley and are required to take an oath of office, file a Statement of Economic Interests, and attend meetings on a regular basis.
In 2020, BOLT established this vision for the Library and for BOLT’s strategic work in the coming years:
• Enhance Patrons’ Experiences
• Expand the Library's Reach
• Expand the Love of Reading
• Enhance Safety and Wellness
• Strengthen Collections and Programs
• Positive Organizational Culture
To learn more about the role of Trustees and general qualifications for the position, read the Responsibilities of the Berkeley Public Library Board of Trustees.
To learn more about the Board of Library Trustees in general, please visit the BOLT homepage on the Library’s website.
Application Process
Applicants must submit both the General Application and the Board of Library Trustees Supplemental Questionnaire to the City of Berkeley City Clerk by May 24, 2021 at 5:00pm.
Candidates will be interviewed at a public BOLT meeting in late May or early June, at a time and on a date to be determined.
City Council will vote to appoint the Trustees’ recommended candidate during the July 13, 2021 City Council meeting.
The new Trustee’s term will begin July, 14 2021. The new Trustee’s first regular meeting as Board Member will be on September 1, 2021 at 6:30pm (BOLT does not have a regular meeting scheduled for August 2021.)
To learn more about the City of Berkeley’s application process for Board and Commission members visit the City Clerk’s Board and Commission website.
For questions, please contact the City Clerk: clerk@cityofberkeley.info, telephone (510) 981-6900, or TDD (510) 981-6903.
About the Library
Libraries are important partners for creating a healthy, sustainable community.
At Berkeley Public Library (BPL), we believe free, universal access to information is fundamental to a healthy democracy and that reading and learning are key to a well-lived life. BPL is a trusted hub of reading, learning, and community engagement. BPL values include:
Public Service
We are committed to serving the public; we value the power of people helping people.
Inclusivity
We welcome and treat everyone with dignity and respect. We are open to the expression of all beliefs.
Accessibility and Ease of Use
We are committed to free access to information; no one should be denied access because they cannot afford the cost of a book, a periodical or an online resource. We ensure that our patrons can use our services, collections and programs independently and easily.
Diversity
We believe that Berkeley's diversity is its strength (diverse ethnicities, religions, ages, gender identities, occupations, and abilities), and the Library is committed to meeting the needs of our evolving community.
Community
We value the power of people coming together.
Reading and Learning
We celebrate the joys of reading and lifelong learning.
To learn more about Berkeley Public Library programs, services, collections, hours and locations, please visit the Library’s website at http://www.berkeleypubliclibrary.org.
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