In order for the Marshall County Public Library to fully realize its potential and meet the various needs of the community, the Library Director and Board of Trustees must work together in order to stay informed about the community and library topics in order to make effective and balanced decisions. It is critical that each person appointed to the Board of Trustees be willing to perform the duties of a trustee. As per KRS, Trustees receive no payment for their work.

The Board of Trustees is composed of five members who are appointed by the Marshall County Judge Executive from names submitted by the Board of Trustees and approved by the Kentucky Library Commissioner. The term of office is four years, and a Trustee may fill an unexpired term and/or serve for two consecutive terms (four-years each). The Board will actively seek applicants to fill any vacancy which occurs.

Prospective Trustees should be aware of the following criteria which will be used by the other Board members of the Marshall County Public Library in evaluating candidates for the vacant position. A Trustee must:

1. Commit the time that is necessary to carry out the duties of a Trustee. This includes time to become and stay knowledgeable about public library issues, attend Board meetings, and carry out Board assignments. 
2. Understand that missing more than three meetings in one (annual) year means they are no longer on the Board.
3. Be genuinely interested in public libraries and understand the importance of public libraries in meeting the educational, informational, and recreational needs of the community.
4. Understand the local community, its social and cultural needs, and be willing to communicate those needs.
5. Be able to work with others to reach a common goal.
6. Be open-minded, intellectually curious, and respectful of the opinions of others.
7. Have the courage to plan creatively and direct the effective implementation of those plans.
8. Be able to withstand pressures and prejudice that would restrict or prevent equal library service to all.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Attend and participate in all board meetings; support board decisions.
• Know the needs of the Library in relation to the community.
• Be an advocate for the Library.
• Plan for the future by determining the purposes and goals of the Library.
• Actively support public library legislation in the state and nation.
• Be aware of the services provided by the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives.

If a candidate has questions or requires additional information, please contact a Trustee or attend a Board meeting. Board meetings are held the 3rd Wednesday of the month at 9:30 a.m. in the Conference Room at Benton.