The ELANCO Library board of trustees is looking for a few good members. Currently, the board, which calls for nine participants, stands at eight, and will be down to seven at the end of the year. The library, which is located at 11 Chestnut Drive, New Holland, serves the children, teenagers, and adults of the ELANCO area.
According to board member Hallie Martyniuk, area residents from a variety of backgrounds are welcome to apply. "We are looking for diversity," said Martyniuk. "We would embrace seniors (who want to volunteer) and younger people. We need people who bring different skills and talents."
Board member Jim Costello explained the term requirements for ELANCO. "Members have three-year terms, so we are looking for folks willing to serve at least three years," he said, noting that the term limit is two terms for a total of six years. The board meets at the library on the third Tuesday of each month. Each board member must sit on at least one library committee, and committees meet monthly as well. Costello stated that the present standing committees include a management committee, a programs and services committee, a fundraising committee, and a governance committee. Martyniuk added that an orientation process is in place to help new board members become acclimated.
Martyniuk listed the responsibilities of board members, which include attending and participating in all board meetings, reading board minutes and other materials sent out before meetings, and becoming informed about all phases of library operation. Board members must also serve on committees as assigned by the board president, lend expertise and leadership to the board for the good of the library, be informed of library activities, help secure adequate funding for the library, and participate in fundraising activities.
"Each trustee will bring to the board certain strengths, skills, talents, and personal experience, which uniquely serve the library," said Martyniuk. "Expert knowledge in a professional or technical discipline is valuable. The board should represent a broad spectrum of community interests, occupations, and areas and embrace diverse viewpoints to help the library serve the total community."
Costello added that the board has been looking for members with certain qualifications. "(We are) particularly interested in candidates who have experience, education, or interest in the areas of fundraising, education, youth services, and small business or farming," he said.
Those considering applying should understand that board members are subject to child protective laws. "They are required to obtain criminal history from the (Pennsylvania) State Police and the child abuse history clearance from the (Pennsylvania) Department of Human Services," said Costello.
Interested candidates should send a short note including their experience, skills, and interest in the position to library director Heather Smith at hsmith@elancolibrary.org by Friday, Nov. 22. A resume may also be included. Candidates will be contacted for an interview.
Readers who would like to know more about the library may visit https://elancolibrary.org.
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