NOPL By-laws  (approved Jan-2024)

How to Become a Trustee of the Northern Onondaga Public Library

Are you passionate about your community and interested in contributing to the future of the Northern Onondaga Public Library? We are always looking for dedicated individuals to serve on the NOPL library Board of Trustees. Trustees are elected by the residents of our library district (Town of Cicero and Town of Clay minus the Baldwinsville, Liverpool, and Phoenix School District) in an election held annually in October. This is an unpaid position. Here is how you can get involved:

Step 1: Understand the Role

Library trustees play a crucial role in guiding the library’s mission, policies, and financial decisions. As a trustee, you will:

• Attend regular board meetings
• Participate in committee work and library events
• Advocate for the library in the community
• Help shape the library’s strategic direction

Step 2: Meet Eligibility

To be eligible to run for a trustee position, you must be:

• A resident of the Northern Onondaga Public Library district
  Brewerton, Cicero, or North Syracuse
• At least 18 years old

Step 3: Review the NOPL Trustee Information Sheet

This document is available HERE.

Step 4: Complete the Application

You will need to complete an application of interest. Download the application HERE. The application asks for the following information:

• Name, Address, Phone Number, E-Mail
• Statement of interest
• Relevant experience or skills
• How you view the library’s role in the community and the responsibilities and goals of a board trustee.

Step 5: Gather Signatures

Interested individuals need to collect signatures to get on the ballot. Here’s how:

• Petition Requirement: Obtain at least 10 signatures from registered voters within the library district in which you reside. (Brewerton, Cicero or North Syracuse)
• Petition Form: Download HERE.

Step 6: Submit Your Petition and Application

Submit your completed petition and application* by Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025.  It is suggested to get more than 10 signatures in case one or more signers are not registered voters. Late submissions will not be accepted.

*E-mail to: mvaughn@nopl.org, drop off at any NOPL branch (NOPL Brewerton, NOPL Cicero, or NOPL North Syracuse), or mail to:
Marianne Vaughn, NOPL Cicero, 8686 Knowledge Lane, Cicero, NY 13039

Step 7: Campaign and Election

Once your petition and application are approved:

• Campaign: Share your vision and goals with the community. Attend local events, speak to residents, and use social media to reach out to voters.
• Election Day: The election is held on October 9^th at each library branch. Encourage community members to vote and participate in the election process.

Important Dates

• Petition Submission Deadline: Tuesday, September 2, 2025.
• Election Date: Always the second Wednesday in October (October 8, 2025)

Information on Trustee openings for the 2025 election for the 2026 term will be posted as soon as possible.

Get Involved! Becoming a library trustee is a rewarding way to serve your community and make a lasting impact. If you have any questions or need more information, please contact William Hastings, Interim NOPL Director, at 315-458-6184 or whastings@nopl.org

Join us in shaping the future of the Northern Onondaga Public Library!

updated: 01_06_25