California Public Library Trustees Toolkit
California’s public libraries have never been more vital for their communities. The local public library is one of the most credible and trusted public institutions in our country. Libraries promote intellectual curiosity, enhance the quality of individual and community life, and provide pathways to success. Libraries are critical to producing successful community solutions for local issues.
Public library boards of trustees are essential to the success of California’s public libraries and were created to represent the people in public library governance. This Trustee Toolkit, developed by the California Library Association in partnership with the California State Library, provides an overview of information and resources for public library trustees. Given the many variances in California state and local library laws and governance, trustees should be aware that not all the information provided and practices described may apply to them. This resource was developed as an educational tool and is not intended to replace legal advice.
The five main principles of public library trusteeship are: Mission, Scope, Governance, Duties, and Learning. Public library trustees should be prepared to take on the exciting yet demanding role of helping to position their libraries as fundamental resources for individual and community success. Trustees should know that they are making a real difference in their communities, and their efforts are reflected in every book checked out, every program attended, every service the library offers, and in the support they show in the guidance of their library directors.