Strathcona County Library Board

Read on to learn all about the composition of the Board, the general and specific expectations, and how to become a member.

You’re interested in becoming a member of the Strathcona County Library Board?

Great!

Be a member in good standing of the libraryAccept an appointment to a 3-year term, with

the possibility of up to three 3-year termsBe prepared to contribute your ideas, your

time and your expertise

What’s the commitment?

Meeting Commitmentso One 2-hour board meeting once a month except for

during the summer (July and August)o Committee meetings – choose one of three

committees to serve on; they meet from three to six times a year each

o Preparation at home for the meetings (reading and preparing opinions for the meetings)

Workshop and Learning Commitmentso Attend one Saturday workshop each yearo Attend one orientation workshop in your first yearo Attend a two day conference during your first term

Social Function Commitmentso Attendance at advocacy and library events as your

skills and time allowo E.g. Library volunteer lunch, Chamber of Commerce

lunches, speaking engagements, staff development day, meetings with MLA’s, garden tour, etc.

What is the typical time commitment? It depends on the level of your involvement and your

commitment You may start with only 5 hours a monthIf you become avidly involved, it can become up to 20

hours a month

What would a typical month of activities look like?Pick up a Board meeting package at the Library and review it

prior to the meetingAttend the Board meetingAttend two committee meetingsAttend a breakfast or luncheon (Chamber of Commerce,

Rotarian, Library) or other event… so the average is around 3 meetings per month, plus 1

volunteer function, plus home preparation time

What are the committees?PolicyAdvocacyExecutive (this consists of the Chair, Vice-Chair and

Secretary-Treasurer, who are elected annually by the Board)

Other Organizations that Board members liaise with:• Metro Edmonton Libraries Federation• Friends of the Library• Culture and Heritage

What about financial implications?Board members are remunerated $25 for each board

and internal committee meetingYou may donate this fee to the library or not – it is up

to youAttendance at library fundraising events can be

complementary for work done on organizing those events

Please remember… You do not need to be a member of the Board to attend Board

meetings – all are welcome! Come and see what it’s like without committing yourself.

Ask lots of questions – we are interested in your input.Check the library website to find out when the next Board

meeting will occur (one Monday evening a month)– we hope to see you!

Would you like to be a member of our Board?Here’s the process:

In October, write a letter of application to Strathcona County

Interview with two County councilors, a County staff administrator, and the Chair of our Library Board

If you are successful, you will receive an appointment letter from the County