This organization shall be named the "Board of Trustees of the
Langley Adams Library" (Board). The Board exists by virtue of the
provisions of MGL c. 78, §§ 10 through 13, and 21,
and exercises the powers and authority and assumes the responsibilities
delegated to it under said statute.
[Amended 4-24-2023 ATM by Art.
15]
The Board is comprised of volunteers elected by the residents
of the Town of Groveland who would like to further the cause of the
Library and help it enrich the lives of all those who utilize its
services. Each Trustee will strive to aid the Library in achieving
the goals of the Board and Library.
A. Members.
(1) The
Board is made up of nine elected members. Three Trustees are elected
each year at the Annual Town Election, as provided for in MGL c. 78,
§ 10. Trustees serve without compensation for a term of
three years.
(2) Any
member of the Board may resign by providing written notice to the
Town Clerk, as provided for in MGL c. 41, § 109. Upon receipt
of the notice, the Town Clerk will notify the Board members.
(3) A
vacancy on the Board shall be filled by a joint majority vote of the
Board and the Board of Selectmen in accordance with MGL c. 41, § 11.
Each member of each board has one vote.
(4) Any
member who misses four consecutive meetings will receive a letter
from the Chair reminding the member that regular attendance is a responsibility
of all Trustees and that those unable to attend regularly should consider
resigning from the Board. Copies of these letters shall be included
in the minutes of the Board. In the event of illness or other extenuating
circumstances, exceptions to this provision may be made by a formal
vote of the Board.
B. Officers.
(1) The
Officers of the Board shall be as follows:
(2) The
Officers shall be elected by the Board at the June meeting of the
Board or the earliest meeting after the Annual Town Elections. The
officers shall not preside for more than two successive terms, with
the exception of the Office of the Treasurer, which is bonded, and
unless there are unforeseen circumstances. A term is designated as
one fiscal year.
(3) Duties
of officers. Each officer shall be responsible to perform the duties
and responsibilities assigned to the position during the duration
of their term. Each position will have the following duties:
(a) Chairperson.
[1] Preside at all meetings of the Board.
[2] Along with the Director, prepare and distribute the agenda for all
of the Board meetings to all Board members.
[3] Call special meetings of the Board.
[4] Appoint committees for specific business as the Board requires.
(b) Vice-Chairperson.
[1] Perform the duties of the Chairperson in their absence.
[2] Other duties to be determined in support of the Chairperson.
(c) Secretary.
[1] Post all minutes as required by law in a timely manner.
[2] Record and distribute minutes of all meetings to Board members.
[3] Prepare correspondence as directed by the Board.
(d) Treasurer.
[1] Keep informed of financial status, funding sources and needs of the
Library and report them to the Board at meetings.
[2] Record all funds from fund-raising activities and provide funds to
Town Treasurer to be deposited in designated accounts.
[3] Ensure all expenditures have proper signatures.
[4] This is a bonded position.
C. Responsibilities
of the Board of Trustees.
(1) The
Board shall have those responsibilities as provided by MGL § 78,
§ 11, the Bylaws of the Town of Groveland and these bylaws.
(2) The
Board shall have the care, custody and control of the Library holdings,
including conducting annual reviews of the Director prior to the preparation
of the budget for the next fiscal year. The Board shall also be responsible
for conducting a search and appointing a new Director, if necessary.
(3) The
Board will ensure that all monies raised and/or appropriated by the
Town for the support and maintenance of the Library shall be expended
in accordance with MGL § 78, § 11. In addition,
all money or property received by bequest or gift for the Library
shall be administered by the Board in accordance with the provisions
of such gift or bequest.
(4) The
Board will also be responsible for approving the Library's annual
budget and will ensure that the Director provides a report to the
Town annually in accordance with MGL c. 78, § 12.
(5) All
decisions of the Board are to be made by the Board as a collective
body and no individual member may make decisions or, with the exception
of the Chairperson, act or speak for the Board unless specifically
authorized to do so by a majority vote of the Board.
To the extent that any provision of these bylaws is inconsistent
with any provision of the Massachusetts General Laws or the Town Bylaws
or Charter, the Massachusetts General Laws or the Town Bylaws or Charter,
as the case may be, shall govern. In the event any article, section,
subsection or provision of any article of these bylaws shall be held
unconstitutional or invalid, such invalidity shall not affect the
validity or constitutionality of any other article or any other section,
subsection or provision.
[Added 4-24-2023 ATM by Art. 15]
These bylaws shall be reviewed by the Board at least every five
years.