Are you passionate about Aurora and community service? Do you want to make a difference through your local library? Then you might be interested in joining the Aurora Public Library District’s Board of Trustees! The Library has one Board vacancy, and we are actively looking for a qualified candidate to fill that position. As a trustee, you will have the opportunity to help shape the direction of the Library and ensure that it remains a vital resource for the community, all while gaining valuable experience with a team of like-minded professionals. Whether you’re a seasoned Library-user or just starting to get involved, now is a opportunity to make a real impact.
The APLD Board of Trustees designs the path that the Library will take for the future. They play a role in how the Library is funded, adopt governing policies, and set the library’s strategic direction. They check in with the community through open meetings and surveys to make sure needs are being met and relevant services are being provided. Library Board president Joe Filapek reflects on the impact of his contributions on the city of Aurora: “Public libraries have the capacity to enhance lives in our community each and every day,” Filapek said.
“Through strategic planning, sound financial decision-making, and responsive policy setting, the Library Board plays a big role in positioning the Library to have that positive impact on our residents. And to this end, I believe our board has a community-first focus that keeps our priorities where they should be.”
By joining the Library Board of trustees, the new member can help ensure that the Library continues to thrive and serve our community for years to come. That can include advocating for increased funding, developing new initiatives to meet the needs of residents, and renovating the Library’s physical facilities.
“Our buildings are an important destination for Aurora community members, representing a place to work, share, learn, and play. We want our facilities to be an inviting, inclusive space that has everything our residents need,” said Filapek. Improving the Library isn’t the only benefit of serving on the Board of Trustees, the new person will gain valuable experience in leadership and governance for self-improvement.
As part of the Aurora Public Library District, there will be the opportunity to work with a dedicated team of professionals. Board members gain insight through presentations from Library staff members on topics such as day-to-day operations, large scale community programs, or the impact of a new initiative or service. Executive director Michaela Haberkern sees first-hand how serving on the Library Board builds professional skills.
“The Board’s responsibilities regarding fiscal oversight, strategic planning, and policy development can give trustees exposure to some really high-level management functions,” said Haberkern. “Trustees have the opportunity to work really closely with other smart, civic-minded library lovers with a variety of interests, experiences, and backgrounds. Trustees can really learn so much while doing such important service for the community.” Haberkern and the Library Board work in collaboration to make decisions that affect the lives of Aurora community members while upholding the Library’s overall mission and vision. As a Library Trustee, you will have the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of your neighbors.
The APLD Board of Trustees is made up of seven volunteer members. If chosen to serve on the APLD Board of Trustees, the selected candidate will serve until the next regular election in April 2025. To meet the minimum qualifications, applicants must be a City of Aurora residents, have resided within the Library District for at least one year, and be free from conviction in any court in the United States of any infamous crime, bribery, perjury, or other felony. The deadline to submit an application is Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2023. If you are interested in giving back to Aurora’s diverse community, we encourage you to apply! For more information on how to apply, please visit the Aurora Public Library District website at www.aurorapubliclibrary.org/jointheboard or contact the Library at 630-264-4117.
Andrea Tiberi is the communications coordinator for the Aurora Public Library District.