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Trustee Training 102 - Advanced Trustees

Trustee Training 102 - Advanced Trustees

2026-07-20T18:30:00 2026-07-20T20:00:00 Trustee Training 102 - Advanced Trustees

Most public library trustees have no experience with the laws and requirements that guide government entities- including public libraries. However, a trustee's duty requires that they adhere to strict laws pertaining to public funds, public records, public meetings, as well as federal and state constitutional requirements. This session will provide information on these topics as well as resources to enable a trustee to gain further knowledge and expertise.

After this session participants will be able to:

  • Identify the primary laws and requirements that guide the activities of library trustees as public officials.
  • Describe the basic intent and requirements of the Open Meetings Act as it applies to public library board meetings.
  • Discover tips on navigating the unusual but crucial relationship between library trustees and library directors.

Instructor information:
Clare Membiela, Library Law Consultant, Library of Michigan
Shirley Bruursema, Library Trustee Consultant and former longtime trustee and board chair, Kent District Library

 , Michigan
Event Date

Start: July 20, 2026 6:30 PM

End: July 20, 2026 8:00 PM

Most public library trustees have no experience with the laws and requirements that guide government entities- including public libraries. However, a trustee's duty requires that they adhere to strict laws pertaining to public funds, public records, public meetings, as well as federal and state constitutional requirements. This session will provide information on these topics as well as resources to enable a trustee to gain further knowledge and expertise.

After this session participants will be able to:

  • Identify the primary laws and requirements that guide the activities of library trustees as public officials.
  • Describe the basic intent and requirements of the Open Meetings Act as it applies to public library board meetings.
  • Discover tips on navigating the unusual but crucial relationship between library trustees and library directors.

Instructor information:
Clare Membiela, Library Law Consultant, Library of Michigan
Shirley Bruursema, Library Trustee Consultant and former longtime trustee and board chair, Kent District Library

Registration Link
Library Law Library Development Virtual For Libraries

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