Amended 8/16/96

POCAHONTAS COUNTY FREE LIBRARIES
BOARD OF TRUSTEES

BY-LAWS

Article I
Identification
The name of the organization is the POCAHONTAS COUNTY FREE LIBRARIES with headquarters at the library of the head librarian. The branches are to be known as:
1. Green Bank Public Library
2. McClintic Public Library
3. Hillsboro Public Library
4. Durbin Public Library.

Article II
Purpose
The purpose of the Pocahontas County Free Libraries Board of Trustees is to represent the libraries both to the people and to the governing body. It is the Trustee's obligation to use its best efforts to see that adequate funds are obtained for good library service, to promote the best possible use of all library resources in the area, to improve existing services, to extend library service to those not previously served, to see that the libraries use wisely that financial and other resources made available by the board of trustees.
To further detail this purpose, a written library policy shall be on display at each library. The section dealing with wages and salary may be excluded from the display.

Article III
Board of Trustees
1. The board of trustees is composed of five members as appointed by the Pocahontas County Commission. Appointments shall be for five years, and new appointment and re-appointments shall be made by the Commission. Trustee terms shall begin on July 1. In order to establish fair county representation, the Board will attempt to propose candidates in nomination so as to provide a representative from each of the four (4) recognized library branches and one (1) at-large member.
2. When any Trustee fails to attend at least three consecutive, regularly scheduled meetings, the Board may declare the position vacant.
3. When vacancies occur, it shall be the duty of the Board to nominate to the County Commission persons who may qualify to complete the term of the vacated position. The PCFLTB should request the local Advisory Board (s) to submit names of candidates on the County Board.
4. Meetings of the Board, including Executive Sessions, shall be in accordance with the West Virginia statues. Board meeting shall be open for public participation, with the exception of Executive Sessions. Business at Executive Sessions shall be in accordance with the Open Governmental Proceedings Act.
5. Trustees may be reimbursed for reasonable and usual out-of-pocket expenses, but shall not otherwise receive monetary compensation for the time or work devoted to the affairs of the Board. Anticipated expenses exceeding $50.00 shall require prior approval of the Board.


Article IV
Officers
1. Election of officers shall be held each year at the Annual Meeting in June. Officers of the Board shall be Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, Treasurer, and Secretary. The Board may from time to time appoint such other officers as may be necessary.
2. Officer vacancies are to be filed at the next meeting after the vacancy occurs. In case of a Chairperson vacancy, the Vice-Chairperson shall not automatically become Chairperson, but must be a candidate in competition with other Board Members.
3. Duties of Officers:
       A. The Chairperson shall preside at the meeting of the Board; and in cooperation with the Head Librarian see that the business of the Corporation is properly conducted. The chairperson shall sign official documents as may be required by the Board. The Chairperson may appoint committees as required He/She has one vote as a member of the Board.
      B. The Vice-Chairperson shall preside in the absence of the Chairperson and shall perform such duties as may be assigned by the Board.
      C. The Secretary shall take the record of the Board meeting and see that the minutes are prepared and mailed with the next meeting agenda. After minutes are approved, the Secretary shall see that a correct copy is made available for the archives of the library. The Secretary shall sign such documents as may be requited by the position and shall perform such other duties as may be assigned by the Board.
      D. The Treasure shall have charge of the library fund in conjunction with the Head Librarian shall sign checks on the accounts on the Boards authorization and report at each meeting on the state of funds. The Treasurer shall see that the organization follows Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. The Board of Trustees shall secure appropriate bonding for all check signatories.

Article V
Meetings
1. The Library Boards shall meet monthly as such time and place as decided by the Board, and public notice shall be given seven (7) day in advance. A monthly meeting may be skipped, but no tow in succession, and the Annual Meeting may not be skipped. Work meetings may be scheduled as needed.
2. Special meetings may be called by the Chairperson or by three members of the Board. The purpose of the meeting shall be stated in the call. Except in cases of emergency, at least three (3) days notice shall be given.
3. The Annual Meeting shall be regularly scheduled meeting in June.
4. A quorum shall consist of a simple majority of the board members present.

Article VI
Head Librarian
The Head Librarian shall be appointed by, and shall serve at the pleasure of the Board of Trustees on such terms, as it shall deem proper. The Head Librarian shall be responsible to the Board of Trustees. He/She shall act as the Boards executive officer and shall have sole charge of administering the libraries under the Board's direction and review. The Head Librarian shall be a salaried position and compensation for the Head Librarian and other employees shall be determined by the Board of Trustees.


Article VII
Miscellaneous
1. Mileage and Expenses - Board Members and Librarians may be reimbursed for actual mileage to attend meetings at the prevailing government rate. Librarians are expected to car pool whenever practical.
2. Library Bill of Rights - A copy of the Library Bill of Rights, as adopted by the American Library Association shall be prominently displayed at each library.
3. Fiscal Year - The fiscal year of the corporation shall be from July 1 to June 30.
4. Amendments - These By-Laws may be amended at any regular meeting of the board, by majority vote, provided the amendment was presented at the preceding meeting.

These By-Laws shall be in force upon adoption of the Board of Pocahontas County Free Libraries on the 16th Day of August 1996.