The Constitution of the Barneveld Free Library
(As Amended and Approved at a Meeting of the Members called for this purpose: August 26, 1961; January 19, 1971; September 19, 1988; January 9, 1989 and January 9, 1995.)
Preamble: Whereas Article XIV of the original Constitution of the Barneveld Library Association, approved January 26, 1877, provided that upon receipt from the Town or Village of Trenton of an appropriation of not less than $150.00 said Library shall become free to all inhabitants of the Town or Village or surrounding area; and whereas an appropriation of $200.00 has been granted the Library by the Village Trustee; it is therefore resolved, that said Constitution shall hereby be revised and amended herewith.
Article I: This organization shall be called the Barneveld Free Library Association and shall forever remain within the boundaries of the Incorporated Village of Barneveld.
Article II: The object of this Association shall be to maintain a free circulating library and reading room for the inhabitants of the Town of Trenton and the surrounding area.
Article III: The library shall be available to residents of the Town of Trenton and surrounding area who shall agree to subscribe to its Constitution and Bylaws, and shall convey the privileges of free use of the circulating library and reading facilities to these residents.
Article IV: Trustees – A board of Trustees shall be responsible for the guidance and direction of the library. Such board shall consist of nine (9) members. Three (3) trustees shall be nominated for not more than (2) five year terms by the nominating committee, consisting of two residents of the community and one board liaison, and elected by a majority vote of the members at each Annual meeting. Board members are expected to attend Board Meetings and if they should not attend three (3) consecutive meetings without cause then it will be accepted as a resignation from the board. Article IV-A: AMENDMENT: Vacancies: It shall be the right of the President, with the approval of a majority of the other board member, to appoint a person or persons to fill vacancies in the Board of Trustees until the next annual meeting
Article V: Officers – The officers of the Association shall be responsible for overseeing the library operation and shall consist of a President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer. Each officer shall be elected for a term of one (1) year by the trustees. The duties of each officer shall be in accordance with the generally accepted interpretation of such office. The President shall preside over all meeting of the Board of Trustees and the Annual Meeting and assume joint responsibility with the Board of Trustees for the management of the library. The Vice-President shall serve to assist the President and in the absence of the President, perform assigned duties normally ascribed that office. The Secretary shall conduct all correspondence of the Association and keep a full and complete record of its meetings. The Treasurer shall receive all monies of the Association and maintain all records necessary to account therefore, and provide financial reports as required. Disbursement of funds over (over $300.00) shall require authorization of the board.
Article VI: A director shall be appointed by the Board of Trustees. The Director shall discharge all usual functions ascribed such position and shall submit a report at each meeting and a cumulative report at the Annual Meeting. The Director’s performance shall be reviewed and compensation determined semi-annually by the Board.
Article VII: The Board Committees may be formed by the Trustees as needed and my composed of Officers and Trustees
Article VIII: Meetings –
(A) The Board of Trustee shall have at least six (6) meetings per year, and any additional meetings as deemed necessary by the Board members. A Quorum shall consist of five (5) Trustees present and voting. Such quorum shall be required in order to transact official business or authorize the disbursement of funds.
(B) There shall be an Annual Meeting open to all members of the Community at the close of the fiscal year to elect trustees and to receive reports of the Secretary, Treasurer, Director and to transact any other business as many be necessary. Notice of the Annual Meeting shall be posted at the library and in the local newspaper at least two weeks in advance of such meeting date.
Article IX: Amendments - - The Constitution and By-Laws may be amended by a 2/3rds majority present and voting at an Annual Meeting, or meeting announced in advance in accordance with the provisions for quorum and notice required by the Board of Regents.