Baltimore County Public Library Accepting Applications for Board of Library Trustees

Baltimore County Public Library is now accepting applications for Board of Library Trustees members. The Board is made up of seven members who are appointed by the County Executive and serve five-year terms. The Board currently meets in the morning on the third Tuesday of the month.

The application deadline is Friday, March 3. 

Eligibility Requirements

Interested candidates must:

• Be residents of Baltimore County (there is particular interest for those living in districts 5 and 7)
• Represent the library services area
• Have an interest in the library
• Attend board meetings
• Be willing to participate in trustee activities
• Carry out plans effectively
• Be part of the accountability process to the public
• Communicate effectively
• Work well with a team

Trustees must also:

• Stay up to date on current library trends by reading headlines
• Attend professional meetings and visit other libraries
• Serve as an advocate to convey the value of the public library while sharing the mission, identifying funding resources and garnering support of elected officials, community members and business leaders

How to Apply

Those interested in applying can email their completed application form (PDF) to Sonia Alcántara-Antoine at ceo@bcpl.net or submit via mail to:

Baltimore County Public Library
Attention: Sonia Alcántara-Antoine
320 York Road
Towson, Maryland 21204

Review Process

All applications will be reviewed by the Board of Library Trustees. Applicants with the most appropriate qualifications will be interviewed by the Board. Upon completion of interviews, the name or names of those applicants considered most highly qualified will be sent to the County Executive who will make the final appointment.

Upon appointment, the member will be required to file a financial statement with the Baltimore County Ethics Commission. In the selection process, the Board tries to represent the broad demographic makeup of Baltimore County.

About the Board

The Board operates under Laws of Maryland Related to Public Libraries. The Board of Library Trustees has the legal authority and responsibility to oversee the library system is well-managed. Areas of responsibility include:

• Hiring and evaluating the library CEO
• Establishing library policy
• Working with the CEO and staff to ensure the library system is sound and responds to the needs of the public.

Testimonials

“Libraries are a great equalizer in our communities, they provide knowledge and space that are accessible for all. I have been looking for an opportunity to volunteer for an organization that I care deeply about and feel honored and humbled to serve in this role” said first-term member Havaca Ganguly.

“The library is so much more than a place of books. It is a community resource center/hub. It is a place to access computers, charge electronics, attend programs, apply for, among other things, passports, get winter coats and meals. In short, it is for many a lifeline. For me to be a part of serving this important institution is an honor and most gratifying” said current trustee Anne West.