Kalamazoo Public Library Trustee Vacancy

Letters of Interest Due April 24th

Kalamazoo Public Library has a Trustee Vacancy and is seeking applicants who are interested in serving on the Library Board of Trustees. This position will serve until December 31, 2024, and the seat will be up for election in November 2024.

• Candidates must submit a letter of interest which addresses the Preferences & Expectations below and state reasons why they believe they are qualified to serve on the Library Board.
• Letters of interest are due April 24.
• Send or deliver to:
  Board of Trustees
  c/o Bionca Stewart
  Kalamazoo Public Library
  315 S. Rose Street
  Kalamazoo, MI 49007Or email to [email protected]

Preferences & Expectations

Candidate has:

1. Experience, knowledge or training as a member of a governing board, or comparable experiences with issues that confront an organization like a public library (i.e. budgets, strategic planning, stewardship of resources, policies).
2. Experience, knowledge or training with Social Justice and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs or work.
3. Experience, knowledge or training to add to the diversity and understanding of the Board.
4. KPL is an Equal Opportunity Employer and this Board appointment will be made consistent with the principles espoused in the Equal Opportunity Employer statement on our website:

“Equal Employment Opportunity is a fundamental principle at the Kalamazoo Public Library, where employment opportunities are based on job qualifications without discrimination based on race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, height, weight, familial status, marital status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. The library will make reasonable accommodations for employees and job applicants with disabilities.

Kalamazoo Public Library’s commitment to equal opportunity is applied to all personnel policies and practices, including but not limited to, recruitment and hiring, training, promotion, transfer, compensation, benefits, discipline, termination as well as social and recreational activities. Our programs are designed to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws, directives and regulations.”

Responsibilities

A Trustee will:

1. Give time and talent to the library; schedule permits participating in monthly meetings, special library functions and other community events at which the library is promoted
2. Read board minutes and other materials sent out before the board meeting
3. Be informed about all phases of the library operation
4. Serve on committees as assigned by the board president
5. State one’s views on important issues, speak openly/directly with other board members and navigate conflict
6. Preserve and promote the library as a public forum for the sharing of information and ideas without prejudice
7. Lend expertise and leadership to the board for the good of the library and the patrons it serves
8. Be an advocate for the library

Interviews will take place the week of April 29, 2024 and a special meeting will be held in May, at which point the sitting board will appoint the new trustee.