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Franklin Public Library

By-Laws

BY-LAWS OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
OF THE FRANKLIN PUBLIC LIBRARY

 Adopted April 18, 1996
Amended November, 2020

 

MEMBERSHIP:

In accordance with the provision of public act 164, 1877, of the State of Michigan, the Board of Trustees of the Franklin Public Library shall consist of 6 members. Two Trustees shall be elected at each biennial election for  6 year terms.The Library Board of Trustees shall fill any vacancy occurring between elections by appointment. Trustees shall be residents, registered voters and qualified to run for election as specified in the Franklin Village Charter.

The Library Board of Trustees will follow applicable local, state and federal laws governing public libraries created by PA 164 of 1877.

 

DUTIES:

The Library Board shall carry out the spirit and interest of the public act 164, 1877, in establishing and maintaining a public library for the Village of Franklin.

The Library Board shall establish all policies of library administration.

The Library Board shall exercise exclusive control of all library funds and shall assure that said funds are duly protected and accounted for.

The Library Board shall assure that adequate facilities for library services are provided and maintained.

The Library Board shall hire and approve compensation for the Library Director.

Trustees are expected to perform their functions of library trustee as follows (1) promote a high level of library service while observing ethical standards, (2) avoid situations in which personal interests might be served or financial benefits gained at the expense of library users, colleagues or the Library and (3) disqualify himself/herself immediately whenever the appearance of a conflict of interest exists.

 

MEETINGS: 

There shall be 11 monthly meetings of the Library Board; to be held at such time and place as shall be designated by the Board. All meetings shall be open to interested citizens and at least 18 hours’ notice shall be given so that all interested persons can attend.

For all meetings and Board actions and decisions, the Board will comply with the Michigan Open Meetings Act and the Freedom of Information Act.

 

QUORUM:

A quorum for transaction of business shall consist of a simple majority of those holding office at the time of the meeting. A majority of members attending shall be decisive on any vote.

 

OFFICERS: 

On an annual basis, each December, the Trustees shall nominate and elect candidates from amongst the Trustees for the following positions – President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, Friends Liaison and Buildings and Grounds Supervisor. 

The president shall preside at all meetings, appoint all committees and authorize any calls for special meetings.

The Vice President shall perform the duties of the president  in the case of the elected President’s absence and shall be the Library Board liaison to its fund-raising activities and chair/coordinate any other fundraising initiatives as approved by the Board.

The Secretary shall have charge of the minutes of the Library Board. 

The Treasurer shall have custody of and be responsible for all funds and investment securities of the library.

The Building and Grounds Supervisor shall oversee maintenance requirements including preventative maintenance, repair, building improvements and grounds upkeep.

Should a vacancy exist in any officer position, due to resignation, or any other reason, the remaining Trustees shall elect a replacement to serve out that term.

 

COMMITTEES:

Special committees may be appointed by the president and any such committee shall serve until completion of the task for which the committee was created. Committee membership must include at least one Trustee and may consist of any other members as deemed appropriate.

 

LIBRARY DIRECTOR: 

The Library Director shall have charge of the administration of the library under the direction of the Board of Trustees.

 

AMENDMENTS:

These by-laws may be amended by a majority vote at any regular meeting of the Trustees with a quorum present provided that all Trustees  have been notified of the intent and the specific amendment language  at least 30 days prior to the meeting at which the proposed amendment is to be voted upon.