Join our Board

Thank you for your interest in joining the New Britain Public Library Board of Trustees! To assist the Board in getting to know you and in evaluating your candidacy, please complete the questionnaire below:

As a trustee of a public library, you play a crucial role in supporting the Library’s mission to serve the community through access to information, resources, and educational opportunities. Serving as a Board member is an honor and responsibility, and the following expectations are set forth to ensure the effectiveness of the Board and its ability to meet its goals.
1. Commitment to the Mission
Board members should have a deep understanding of and commitment to the Library's mission and values. Trustees should be advocates for the Library, promoting its role in the community and supporting its strategic initiatives.
2. Active Participation
Board members are expected to attend regular Board meetings and actively engage in discussions, offering insights and contributing to decision-making. Attendance at special meetings, events, and committee meetings is also encouraged to help further the Library's goals.
3. Financial Oversight
Trustees are responsible for ensuring the financial health of the Library. This includes reviewing financial reports, approving budgets, and supporting fundraising efforts. Board members must ensure that funds are used effectively and ethically to advance the Library's mission.
4. Policy Development and Review
Trustees help develop, review, and approve Library policies. Board members should stay informed about local, state, and national issues that may affect the Library and participate in the review and development of policies that guide its operations.
5. Support and Fundraising
Board members are expected to support the Library's fundraising efforts, whether through personal donations, fundraising events, or identifying potential donors. Trustees should advocate for the Library in the community and work to secure financial resources to ensure its sustainability. This expectation applies to each Board member equally.
6. Advocacy and Community Representation
Trustees serve as ambassadors for the Library in the community. Board members are expected to represent the Library in a positive light and advocate for its programs, services, and funding needs to local government bodies, community organizations, and the general public.
7. Ethical Governance
Board members must act with integrity, transparency, and accountability in all decisions. They are expected to avoid conflicts of interest and adhere to ethical guidelines and legal responsibilities. Trustees should maintain confidentiality on sensitive matters discussed in Board meetings.
8. Collaboration and Teamwork
Board members must work collaboratively with fellow trustees, Library staff, and other stakeholders. Effective teamwork is essential for addressing challenges and finding creative solutions to enhance Library services and programs. 

Each Board member is expected to serve on at least two (2) committees listed below.

1. Executive Committee: The Executive Committee shall consist of the officers of the Library. The Executive Committee shall have charge of all matters which may be referred to it by the Board of Trustees and generally have oversight and authority with regard to all business of the Board when it is not in session. The Committee may consult with the Library Director on matters not specifically covered by the other Committees of the Board of Trustees.
2. Finance Committee: The Finance Committee shall develop appropriate procedures for budget preparation, oversee the development of the budget and review budgets, as prepared by the Library Director and staff. The Committee shall present to the Board of Trustees for approval the annual budget for the coming year.
3. Community Relations Committee: The Community Relations Committee shall, in concert with the Library Director, oversee the development and implementation of a fundraising plan to identify potential markets and their needs and to develop and promote programs and services to meet those needs. This shall include the development and implementation of annual appeals, fundraisers and events, as needed and at the discretion of the committee.
4. Building Committee: The Building Committee shall assist the Library Director in maintaining and upgrading, when necessary, the building, equipment and grounds to best serve the needs of the public and the staff. It shall assist in planning for the funding of major capital improvements and in the development of the annual capital budget.
5. Board Development Committee:The Board Development Committee shall be responsible for the general affairs of the Board of Trustees and shall ensure effective Board processes, structures and roles of Trustees and officers. It shall establish priorities for Board composition, interview prospective Board candidates and prepare a slate of new trustees and officers to be elected or re-elected at the Library annual meeting. The Committee shall serve throughout the year and make recommendations to the Board of Trustees to fill vacancies of trustees between annual meetings. The Committee shall, together with the Library Director, conduct orientation sessions for new Trustees and organize training sessions for the Board as required.
6. Bylaws Committee: The Bylaws Committee shall review the operating policies for the Board of Trustees to support the New Britain Public Library. The Bylaws Committee will make its recommendation to the Board of Trustees for appropriate actions when changes are needed.

As a member of the Board, you will be expected to attend, promote, and support the various events at which the Library has a presence throughout New Britain each year. Many of these are recurring annual events, which should allow for ease of advance planning. While you will not be expected to attend every single event, you should make best efforts to attend as many events as possible. Although City-wide events remain subject to change each year, in previous years the Board has attended, hosted, and/or participated in the following events:

1. New Britain Reads, New Britain Leads Annual Fundraiser (formerly Literary Libations) (Spring)
2. Friends of the New Britain Library Book Sales (Fall/Spring)
3. Local Holiday/Affinity Festivals and Events
                A. Juneteenth Celebration at NBMAA
                B. Little Poland Festival
                C. Beehive Bridge Festival
                D. Celebrate New Britain
                E. Farmers Markets
4. Library Staff Training Day Luncheon

In an effort to ensure that our Board members are adequately informed about the contours of their particular roles, responsibilities, and duties of care, the Board may hold regular retreats for purposes of providing this training and education to its membership. Board training retreats will be announced with reasonable advance notice, and all Board members will be expected to attend and participate in the retreats and related activities.

Among other responsibilities, Board members play a key role in raising funds for our organization. It is an expectation of Board service that you will introduce people in your sphere of influence to our work and invite them to know and do more – as prospective volunteers, Board members, staff, and as donors. Our organization commits to providing you with the information and tools necessary for you to stand as a vocal and visible ambassador for our work. 

Further, it is expected that every Board member makes an annual financial contribution to the Library for each year of Board service at a level they are comfortable with, or that represents one of the most significant donations the individual makes each year. While there is no imposed “minimum” Board gift, Board members are expected to make a meaningful contribution annually. 

By submitting this application for Board membership, you agree to fulfill the fundraising and financial commitments expected of all Board members consistently during your term of service.

 The New Britain Public Library Board of Trustees does not and shall not engage in unlawful discrimination or retaliation on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations, including but not limited to the recruitment and election of Board members.