[HISTORY: Adopted by the Town of Canton 5-25-1999 by Ord. No.
207; amended in its entirety 12-14-2011. Subsequent amendments noted where applicable.]
The purpose of this chapter is to create and establish:
The Canton Public Library (hereinafter referred to as the "Public
Library") is hereby created and established as a department of the
Town. The Public Library will provide library and other information
services to the residents of the Town of Canton and will perform such
other functions as are usual to public libraries in general.
The Library Board of Trustees of the Town of Canton (hereinafter
referred to as the "Library Board") is hereby created and established.
A.
The Library
Board's function will be to:
(1)
Adopt policies, goals, and objectives for the operation of the Public
Library.
(2)
Monitor and review the operations of the Public Library.
(3)
Develop with the Library Director an annual operating and capital
budget to be presented to the Chief Administrative Officer for review.
(4)
Participate in the selection of a Library Director with the Chief
Administrative Officer of the Town.
(5)
Consult and advise the Chief Administrative Officer, Board of Selectmen,
Board of Finance and other Town officials and employees regarding
the use of past and future gifts and bequests made to the Public Library
(subject to acceptance of all gifts by the Board of Selectmen as required
by the Town Charter) and the operation of the Public Library.
B.
Appointment
and organization.
(1)
The Library Board shall consist of 10 members (hereinafter referred
to as "Trustees"). Nine Trustees shall be appointed by the Board of
Selectmen and one Trustee shall be ex officio without power to vote
by virtue of serving as President of the Friends of the Canton Public
Library. The term of each Trustee shall be four years, with the exception
of the ex officio Trustee, whose term on the Library Board will last
as long as his/her term of office as President of the Friends.
(2)
A vacancy on the Library Board occurring because of a change of residence,
removal, resignation, or death of a Trustee shall be filled by the
Board of Selectmen for the unexpired portion of the term. Each Trustee
shall hold office until the end of his/her appointed term.
(3)
The Trustees shall establish bylaws for the functioning of the Library
Board, which may expand on but not be inconsistent with the provisions
of this chapter.
(4)
Action may be taken by the Library Board upon a vote of not less
than a majority of the Trustees present, unless the bylaws of the
Library Board require a larger number.
(5)
At its first meeting in each calendar year, the Library Board shall
select from among the Trustees a Chair and other such officers as
identified in the bylaws of the Library Board. Trustees shall serve
without compensation.
The Library Board shall participate in the selection of a qualified
Library Director with the Chief Administrative Officer of the Town.
The Board of Selectmen, after consultation with and upon recommendation
of the Chief Administrative Officer, will appoint the Library Director.
The Library Director shall be directly responsible to the Chief Administrative
Officer. The Library Director shall:
A.
Develop and recommend to the Library Board policies, goals, and objectives
for the operation of the Public Library.
B.
Have the responsibility and the authority for the administration
of the policies, goals, and objectives established by the Library
Board.
C.
Develop with the Library Board an annual operating and capital budget
to be presented to the Chief Administrative Officer for review.
D.
Select collection materials, supervise staff and facilities, and
perform such other functions as are usual to public library directors
in general.
