Pine Plains Free Library seeks board members

PINE PLAINS — A search for two new members for the board of trustees of of the Pine Plains Free Library is providing what head librarian Alexis Tackett describes as an opportunity to “get involved with the community as an active, volunteer member in an organization that is focused on diversity, equity and inclusion, which is a really great topic to be involved in today’s age,” as the library focuses on keeping up with societal changes.

It is, she says, a chance “to do good work with good people” in a “very rewarding position.”

Any full time resident of Pine Plains, whether a renter or property owner, is eligible to apply for one of the positions, which also affords the chance to learn a great deal about the way in which nonprofit boards operate.

Applications for the positions are available online, with the new trustees then needing approval by “the board and town hall.”

The openings, which must be filled in order for the library to continue to conduct business, are available because, under its policies, members are allowed to serve for only six years, after which time they must resign and not rejoin the board for another year.

At this point, the board is operating with a new president and vice president because those two previous officers, Beth McLiverty and Patty Hall, were required to resign under that policy.

Tackett said, “They were both excellent, and we would have loved to have them continue,” but she is grateful that Claire Gunning and Keary Hanan are now ably filling those positions.

Tackett said that the required service cap does sometimes cause difficulties, as new members must be recruited, but she feels the policy also ensures that fresh faces can bring fresh ideas to the board, something that is important, as modern libraries do so much more than simply providing access to books and other printed materials.

In the case of the Pine Plains Free Library, the first in Dutchess County when it was incorporated in 1798, that means implementing the library’s stated mission to “provide resources, programs and services that facilitate life-long learning, community engagement, and public awareness of local information,” following through on its vision to be a “facilitator of learning, the recognized source of community information, the place to gather and discuss, and a promoter of reading for all ages.”

Tackett believes it is important that the board is able to look at issues from a number of different viewpoints and feels that can be best accomplished by having a mix of individuals of various ages, genders, experiences and backgrounds.

“We’re looking at some exciting projects in the future and we could use someone who is good at coming up with some fundraising techniques” while the library’s website also encourages applicants with “strengths in law, finance, project management, policies, fundraising or other non-profit organizations.”

She also notes that it would be particularly helpful at this point to have some young parents join the group to provide a perspective on the needs of families.

Board meetings, generally taking less than an hour, are held the third Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. and are open to the public.

As is the case with many organizations which began internet access due to the pandemic, meetings are livestreamed. Under the bylaws, a trustee may attend the meetings virtually, but must attend at least eight meetings per year in person.

In most instances, discussions center on regular library reports, revisions to the budget, bill approvals, and personal matters. General policies are also reviewed periodically. If changes in those are contemplated, written summaries of those issues are given to board members to take home and consider before a vote is taken, generally at the next meeting.

In addition to the above, current trustees are: secretary Kenda Ward, Darrin Culver, Ethan DiMaria, and Patrick MacMurray with board-elected financial advisor Ted Mallozzi. To reach any, email director--@-pineplainslibrary.org.

For further information, including the way to view via Zoom or meetings on YouTube, visit the library at 7775 S. Main St., call 518-398-1927, or visit -pineplainslibrary.org/board-of-trustees for access to the New York State Handbook for Trustees, which details the functioning of boards and the requirements of members.