Thank you for your interest in the Centre County Library & Historical Museum Board of Trustees.
Being a member of the Board of Trustees is an exciting opportunity to be part of a dedicated team working to strengthen and support public libraries in Centre County. Here is some basic information about our Board, what it does, and how you can determine if Board service is the right fit for you:
What is Centre County Library & Historical Museum?
Centre County Library & Historical Museum (CCLHM) is an independent non-profit public library system in Centre County that was first established in 1939 following a bequest from Bellefonte resident Ann Elmira Humes. Since opening its doors, CCLHM has grown to serve residents across Centre County. Our flagship library, Centre County Library, is joined in Bellefonte by the Pennsylvania Room and Historical Museum. Holt Memorial Library in Philipsburg joined the system in 1963, and the Centre Hall Area Branch Library joined the system in 1997. CCLHM also operates a county-wide Bookmobile, which has been in operation since 1942, and which makes 19 weekly stops throughout rural areas of the county.
CCLHM provides library services to the residents of the following townships: Benner, Boggs, Burnside, Curtain, Gregg, Haines, Howard, Huston, Liberty, Marion, Miles, Penn, Potter, Rush, Snowshoe, Spring, Taylor, Union, Walker and Worth; and the following borough: Bellefonte, Centre Hall, Howard, Milesburg, Millheim, Philipsburg, Port Matilda, Snowshoe, and Unionville.
What is the mission, the vision, and the core values of CCL&HM?
Centre County Library & Historical Museum is a community destination providing books, information, internet access and technology resources to preserve our heritage and promote life-long learning.
Our vision is to be an inviting and vital part of our community by providing access to current technology, and services to foster education and to enhance our communities’ quality of life.
Our Core Values include:
· the protection and promotion of intellectual freedom
· a respect for the privacy and confidentiality of all library users
· to ensure equality and equity of access to library materials, services and programs.
· to work efficiently and effectively to provide a welcoming environment
· to be innovative and pro-active in our response to community needs
· to work in partnership with other organizations to advance the Library’s mission
· to provide responsible fiscal stewardship, financial management and oversight.
What is the composition of the Board?
The Board is comprised of nine members. Two of the members are appointed by Bellefonte Borough. Spring Township, Philipsburg Borough and Centre Hall Borough each appoint a member. The Centre County Board of Commissioners appoint two members. The remaining two members are considered at-large positions and are elected by the other members of the Board.
How long do Board members serve?
All Board members are appointed or elected to 3-year terms. Members may serve two consecutive 3-year terms, and then must cycle off.
How much time is required to serve?
The Board meets six times each year, currently the 4th Thursday of January, March, May, July, September and November/December. Special meetings may be called at the request of any member. Meetings usually are about two hours long. The Board can meet in-person or virtually at the preference of the members.
Much of the work done by the Board happens in Board committees. Board members are expected to serve on at least one committee. Depending on the committee, most meet several times a year to establish priorities and accomplish certain annual tasks. Standing committees include:
The Executive Committee is comprised of the President, the Vice-President, and the Secretary/Treasurer. Election to the Executive committee occurs at the annual re-organizational meeting, usually held in January
The Finance Committee which works with the Executive Director and Office Manager to monitor and review monthly financial reports, develop the annual budget, review the audit and 990, and provide oversight of various investment and bequest accounts.
The Property committee works closely with the Facilities Manager to oversee the safety, security and maintenance of 4 buildings, a bookmobile and a vehicle. They review bids and contracts, prioritize building related projects and recommend capital improvements.
The Personnel Committee coordinates the hiring of the Executive Director, conducts the annual performance review, reviews personnel policies and provides guidance and support as needed to the Executive Director in matters pertaining to personnel.
The Nominating Committee works with the full Board to recruit and orient new Board members. This committee also prepares the slate of officers for election each year.
The Planning Committee works with the Executive Director, key management staff and the Board to develop short-term and long-term strategic plans and initiatives to advance our mission.
The Fundraising Committee works with the Executive Director and key management staff to develop revenue generating strategies for the annual campaign, Centre Gives, various grant opportunities and small other fundraising events.
Board members can expect a time commitment of 5-10 hours per month. In addition to attending Board and committee meetings, members are encouraged to attend special events and library programs.
Are there fundraising expectations for Board members?
Each Board member is expected to make a personal financial contribution in line with their personal financial circumstances during each year of Board service. Other opportunities to give, such as special fundraisers or campaigns, are optional and based on Board members’ interests and capacity to give. All Board members are required to assist CCLHM with fundraising efforts, from identifying prospects in personal and professional networks to thanking donors for their gifts to collaborating with management and community partners to identify and leverage income generating opportunities.
What is the selection process?
The selection process varies depending on whether the candidate is a municipal appointee, an appointee of the Centre County Board of Commissioners, or an at-large candidate to be elected by the Board. Community members who are interested in serving on CCLHM’s Board can contact either Denise Sticha, Executive Director, or the Board President for further information.
