NLS extends a huge thank you to all member library trustees for volunteering to help our member libraries remain strong and responsive to the needs of their communities.
Public library trustees have weighty responsibilities and we want you to be as effective as possible. NLS is available for consultations with individual member library boards on a range of topics, including Director-Board relations, strategic planning, financial and fiduciary responsibilities, laws and regulations affecting libraries, and advocacy, among others.
Helpful resources for Boards of Trustees:
Trustee Education
- Trustee Education Requirements in New York State
- New York State Library. Recorded webinars from the NYSL.
- Trustee Handbook Book Club. Recorded webinars and resources from the authors of the Handbook for Library Trustees of New York State.
- Recorded NLS events:
- Civil Service in New York State. Ninety-minute presentation on civil service rules and their application to Nassau’s public libraries, presented by Henry Waldinger Memorial Library Director Mamie Eng. Recorded 2/15/24.
- Defending the Freedom to Read with Jamie LaRue. One-hour presentation on censorship and book challenges with former Executive Director of ALA’s Office of Intellectual Freedom. Recorded 9/22/23.
- Shelf Censorship: Preserving Public Libraries as Free Speech Sanctuaries. Forty-minute presentation by Aaron Terr, Director of Public Advocacy at the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, at the 2023 NLS Annual Meeting. Recorded 12/6/23.
- Sample Self-Assurance Form. Form to report completion of trustee education activities.
General
- Handbook for Library Trustees of New York State (2023)
- Minimum Public Library Standards in NYS
- Regents’ Statement on the Governance Role of a Trustee or Board Member
- Key Acronyms Used in Nassau’s Public Libraries
Legal
- Public Library Law in New York State (2006). This publication is a compilation of statues and regulations in New York State that pertain to public libraries.
- Ask the Lawyer Recently Asked Questions. Buffalo-based attorney Stephanie “Cole” Adams answers questions from the NY library community.
- Oath of Office. Required for all library trustees, except those of association libraries.
Effective Meetings
Library Support Organizations
- NYLA Library Trustees Association Section
- United for Libraries: ALA Association of Library Trustees, Advocates, Friends and Foundations
- New Yorkers for Better Libraries PAC