Board of Library Trustees By-Laws

Article I - Name

The organization shall be known as Board of Public Library Trustees, City of Laconia (hereinafter referred to as the "Board.")

Article II - Purpose

The Board is organized pursuant to State Statutes and the Laconia City Ordinances.

Article III - Membership

Membership shall be as determined by the Laconia City Ordinances, and the Board members shall serve for a period of three years in accordance with said ordinance.

Article IV - Chair

The Chair shall preside at all meetings of the Board, authorize calls for any special meetings, appoint all committees, execute all documents authorized by the Board, serve as ex-officio voting member of all committees, and generally perform all duties associated with that office.

Article V - Vice-Chair

The Vice-Chair, in the event of the absence or disability of the Chair, or of a vacancy in that office, shall assume and perform the duties and functions of the chairman

Article VI - Secretary

The Secretary shall keep a true and accurate record of all meetings of the Board, and shall perform such other duties as are generally associated with that office.

Article VII - Treasurer

The Treasurer shall be the disbursing officer of the Board, cosign all checks from trust funds, and shall perform such duties as generally devolve upon the office. He shall be bonded in an amount as may be required by the resolution of the Board. In the absence or inability of the Treasurer, his duties shall be performed by such other members of the Board as the Board may designate.

Article VIII - Library Director & Staff

The Board shall appoint a qualified library director who shall be the executive and administrative officer of the library on behalf of the Board and under its review and direction. The director shall recommend to the Board the appointment and specify the duties of other employees and shall be held responsible for the proper direction and supervision of the staff, for the care and maintenance of library property, for an adequate development of resources in keeping with the mission statement and policy set by the Board of Trustees, and the providing of efficient library services to the public, and for its financial operation within the limitations of the budgeted appropriation. The Director administers, interprets and recommends policies.
The Director anticipates needs, prevents problems and champions services reflective of the customers' needs. The Director acts as the chief representative for the library.

Article IX - Committees

There shall be such committees appointed by the Chair of the Board when he takes office each year, or at any time thereafter, as he shall designate for the necessary performance of the duties of the Board. The terms, members and obligations of the committees shall be determined by the Chair of the Board.

Article X - Annual, Regular & Special Board Meetings

Section 1. The regular meeting shall be held each month, the date and hour to be set by the Board at the annual meeting. The meeting may be rescheduled by a proper vote of the Board.
Section 2. The annual meeting, which shall be for the purpose of the election of officers and the adoption of an annual report, shall be held at the time of the regular meeting in April of each year.
Section 3. Special meetings may be called by the secretary at the direction of the chair, or at the request of 3 members, for the transaction of business as stated in the call for the meeting.
Section 4. A quorum for the transaction of business at any meeting shall consist of 4 members of the Board present in person.

Article XI - Terms of Officers

Officers shall be elected at the annual meeting to serve for a period of one year or until their successors are duly elected. An individual may hold more than one office.

Article XII - Voting

At all Annual, Regular and Special Meetings of the Board, members must vote personally upon any resolution or election of officers.

Article XIII - Change of by-Laws

These By-Laws may be altered or amended at any meeting of the Board by an affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the members voting in person, provided however, that 30 days notice of the proposed amendment must be given to all members prior to such meeting.

Article XIV - Severability

If any provision of these By-Laws is inconsistent with State Law or City Ordinances or otherwise invalid, such invalidity shall not effect other provisions of these By-Laws.

Adopted at the Board of Trustees Meeting, February 12, 1991
Amended at the Board of Trustees Meeting September 20, 2001