Public Library Trustees --
Governing 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 summarizes responsibilities of governing boards, which have full decision-making authority for a library or a library system.

Governing boards, with a broad range of powers and duties defined by state law, are the policy-making bodies for all library districts and for some cities that operate their own library: primarily cities using the charter form of government. In the case of those cities, the charter itself may have library provisions that supplement state law.

Public library boards of trustees are composed of five or seven citizen volunteers who serve without compensation. They are appointed, by county commissioners in the case of library districts, and mayors and councils in the case of cities. Terms are five years for five-member boards and seven years for seven-member boards. State law limits trustees to two consecutive terms. They serve without pay.

Besides setting policy, the board of trustees evaluates library program effectiveness and plans for the future; oversees budget and finances; hires a director to administer day-to-day operations; and advocates for the library. Additional statutory responsibilities, many of which are delegated to the director, include leasing or purchasing land for library buildings; leasing, purchasing, or constructing library buildings; purchasing library materials and supplies; supervising the care of library property; accepting gifts, and creating and adopting necessary by-laws, rules, and regulations. In the case of library districts, the board of trustees also has authority to levy property taxes, under prescribed limits.

Representing their constituents, boards of trustees respond to local needs and conditions in their decision-making, 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.