Public Library Trustees --
Advisory Boards [1999]

Public libraries in Washington State have several different organizational structures and two types of boards of trustees: governing and advisory. This Fact Sheet describes advisory boards of independent municipal libraries and advisory boards of cities and towns that contract with or have annexed to a library district.

Many Washington cities operating an independent public library use the Optional Municipal Code form of government. In those "code" cities, the library is considered a city department and the board of trustees an advisory board, not a governing board having decision-making responsibilities. In some cases, however, city governments invest the local board with full or partial responsibility for the governance of the library. The degree and level of decision-making authority vested in the code city library board is determined by the city; it is the responsibility of the board to clarify and confirm its breadth of powers.

Cities or towns that contract with or are annexed to a library district may also establish an advisory board. Those advisory boards may be charged with providing input on library services to their own local officials. They have no decision-making authority and act in an advisory capacity only. In some cases, the director or governing board of the library district may ask a city or town advisory board for input.

Representing their constituents, advisory boards of trustees respond to local needs and conditions within their scope of responsibility, providing assistance in tailoring services and programs to their communities. They also build community support for the library and its programs. Their meetings are open and public input is encouraged.

The Washington Library Friends and Trustees Association is a Washington Library Association interest group that promotes and supports the education and development of public library trustees, whether serving on a governing or advisory board.