Tacoma Public Library is on the lookout for two new trustees to join their Board. With five members currently presiding over the library's direction, these new additions will be stepping into a role that is tasked with governance, policy-setting, and budgetary oversight. As the library serves as a beacon of learning and community connection, the board's role is vital in steering its mission to "empower our community by bringing people together to discover, connect, create, learn, and thrive."
In the push for an inclusive board that better mirrors Tacoma's own tapestry of identities, the city has put a call out for applicants from a broad spectrum of backgrounds. With an eye towards building an anti-racist organization, they’re particularly looking for BIPOC, LGBTQ+ individuals, those with disabilities, as well as seniors, youth, immigrants, and refugees. Living within the Tacoma city limits is a must for all prospective Library Trustees, as stipulated in the recent announcement.
The Library Board doesn't only shape the direction of the institution; it also appoints the Library Director, a key figure who oversees the library’s daily operations and its long-term vision. Nominations are coming from the Mayor's office, with the City Council taking on the task of appointment through a majority vote. Trustees will dedicate five years of service to the board once appointed.
Learning to navigate the waters of public governance is part of the job, and thus appointed applicants are in for a crash course on open government. Required to complete Open Public Meetings Act and Public Records Act training provided by the Washington State Office of the Attorney General, this training kicks in within 90 days of appointment, as part of their commitment to transparency and accountability.
