We welcome residents of the Algonquin Area Public Library District (AAPLD) to complete and submit an election packet to run for a seat on the AAPLD Board of Trustees. Two seats on the seven-member AAPLD Board of Trustees will be open for the April 6, 2021 Consolidated Election. These seats are for full, 6-year terms.
What Does a Trustee Do?
In order to provide quality library service to the Villages of Algonquin and Lake in the Hills and their surrounding areas, the Algonquin Area Public Library District requires a working team of a Board of Library Trustees who are informed and make the necessary decisions. It is critical that each person appointed to the Board of Trustees be willing to perform the duties of a Trustee. By statute, trustees receive no payment or other compensation for their work.
The Library Board is composed of seven Trustees.
Prospective trustees should be aware of the following criteria, which will be used by the other Board members of the Algonquin Area Public Library District 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, to prepare for and attend Board meetings, and to carry out Board assignments.
2. Be genuinely interested in public libraries and understand the importance of public libraries in meeting the educational, recreational, and informational needs of the community.
3. Understand the local community and its social and cultural needs, and be willing to communicate those needs to the Board.
4. Be able to work with others to reach a common goal.
5. Be open-minded, intellectually curious, and respectful of the opinions of others.
6. Have the courage to plan creatively and direct the effective implementation of those plans.
7. Be able to withstand pressures and prejudice that would restrict or prevent equal library service to all.
WHAT TRUSTEES DO
• oversee and approve the budget, levy, and other financial responsibilities
• set library policy
• employ and evaluate the Executive Director
• plan for the future
• monitor the library’s effectiveness
• be an advocate for the library
If a candidate has questions or requires additional information, please contact the Executive Director or a Trustee, or attend a Board meeting. Board meetings are held the fourth Wednesday of every month (with some seasonal exceptions) at 7:00 p.m. Meeting information can be found here.
How Do I Run?
- Complete the required information in a Candidate Packet, which can be picked up via drive-thru at the Main Harnish location during any open business hours.
- Circulate the nominating petitions and obtain at least 50 signatures from qualified voters who reside in the Algonquin Area Public Library District. The candidate must sign the completed petitions in the presence of a notary public.
- File a Statement of Economic Interest with the McHenry County Clerk and obtain a receipt of that filing.
- Submit a complete election packet to the Algonquin Area Public Library District, 2600 Harnish Drive in Algonquin, on weekdays between December 14 – 18, 2020. While the library building is closed to the public, packets will be accepted via drive-thru from 9 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday.