To the Editor:
As I enter my concluding chapter of service as a board trustee for the Voorheesville Public Library, I am writing to encourage others to consider running for the open seat by sharing some highlights of my experience. I have also provided details on how a member of the library district (same as the school district) can run for the board seat.

My favorite memories of serving on the VPL board of trustees all center around the people. I also enjoyed helping the library grow and change in the face of emerging technology, fiscal pressures, and unexpected challenges.

I am especially proud of how the board supports efforts to make the library not only a great community asset, but also a great place to work. One of the most rewarding tasks I had in recent years was serving on the committee that selected our current library director, Sarah Clark.

In my experience, the time commitment for trustees is five to six hours per month. The library board meets once per month for about two hours and library committees meet for about one to two hours per month, depending on current needs.

Any additional time is spent reading board materials and preparing for meetings, attending occasional training sessions and events, and responding to board emails. Officers of the board (president and vice president) may have additional duties and time commitments. Trustees are also encouraged to attend library programs, participate in outreach activities, and seek ways to stay informed of library issues and trends.

How to run? Residents of the library district who are 18 and older may pick up a petition at the library, collect a minimum of 25 signatures from qualified voters of the library district, get the petition notarized, and then file the petition at the library by Monday, April 18. The vote is May 17 from 2 to 9 p.m. in the Voorheesville Middle School.

How to prepare? The written bylaws of the board, New York State Public Officers Law, and New York State Education Law primarily govern library trustees. Interested individuals can easily research these resources online.

You are also encouraged to attend a library board meeting. Upcoming dates and times are available on the library’s website - https://voorheesvillelibrary.org.

Who should run? We need a protagonist — someone who wants to work with the library leadership and trustees to continue to propel the library’s vibrant story in a positive direction.

Additionally, the underlying motivations of a trustee must include a love of libraries and a firm belief that VPL is a valuable and integral part of the Voorheesville community. Antagonists need not apply!

Really, there is no better time to join the current Voorheesville Public Library Board of Trustees. The members of the board — Belinda Heckler, Alan Kowlowitz, Sarah Brunt, and Marielle McKasty-Stagg — are wonderful to collaborate with.

The library leadership and staff are top notch. The support and reputation of the Friends of the Library are phenomenal. And VPL has exciting times ahead, including highly anticipated building improvements.

Our board bylaws allow two consecutive five-year terms. My 10-year story of service as a trustee is ending. The next chapter is up to you!

Janna Shillinglaw

New Scotland