Bylaws of the Board of Trustees
Alton Public Library
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Article I: Name
The name of this governing body shall be the Board of Trustees of the Alton Public Library, hereinafter referred to as the “Board.”
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Article II: Authority and Purpose
Section 1. Authority
The Board of Trustees is established and governed pursuant to Iowa Code Chapter 392 and other applicable provisions of Iowa law.
Section 2. Purpose
The purpose of the Board is to provide governance, oversight, and policy direction for the [Name of Public Library] in order to ensure free and equitable access to library services for the community.
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Article III: Membership
Section 1. Composition
The Board shall consist of  seven trustees, appointed by the Mayor with City Council approval as provided by Iowa Code Chapter 392.
Section 2. Qualifications
6 trustees shall be residents of the city of Alton and 1 member shall have a rural Alton address. Members shall demonstrate interest in and support for public library service. They must also attend a minimum of 6 meetings per year. 

Section 3. Term of Office
Trustees shall serve 4-year terms with terms staggered so that no more than one-third expire in the same year.
Section 4. Vacancies
Vacancies shall be filled by the appointing authority for the remainder of the unexpired term.
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Article IV: Officers
Section 1. Officers
The officers of the Board shall include a President, Vice President, and Secretary. 
Section 2. Election and Term
Officers shall be elected annually at the first regular meeting following July 1 and shall serve one-year terms.
Section 3. Duties
•    President: Presides at meetings, appoints committees, and serves as official spokesperson of the Board.
•    Vice President: Performs the duties of the President in their absence.
•    Secretary: Keeps accurate minutes, maintains records, and handles official correspondence.
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Article V: Meetings
Section 1. Regular Meetings
The Board shall meet at least monthly, with a minimum of 10 times per year.
Section 2. Special Meetings
Special meetings may be called by the President or by a majority of trustees, with notice as required by law.

Section 3. Open Meetings
All meetings shall be conducted in compliance with Iowa Code Chapter 21 (Open Meetings Law).
Section 4. Quorum
A quorum shall consist of a majority of the trustees.
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Article VI: Committees
Section 1. Committees
The Board may establish standing or ad hoc committees as necessary to carry out its responsibilities.
Section 2. Committee Authority
Committees shall make recommendations to the Board and shall not act on behalf of the Board unless authorized.
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Article VII: Powers and Duties
The Board shall:
•    Establish and adopt policies for library governance and operation
•    Hire, evaluate, and support the Library Director
•    Approve the annual budget and oversee library finances
•    Set library service priorities and strategic goals
•    Ensure compliance with Iowa law and local regulations
•    Advocate for adequate funding and community support
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Article VIII: Library Director
Section 1. Appointment
The Board shall appoint a qualified Library Director, who shall be responsible for the day-to-day administration of the library.
Section 2. Authority
The Director shall implement Board policies, manage staff, and oversee library operations in accordance with Iowa law.
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Article X: Parliamentary Authority
The rules contained in Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised shall govern the Board in all cases where they are applicable and not inconsistent with these bylaws or Iowa law.
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Article XI: Amendments
These bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the Board at any regular meeting.
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Article XII: Adoption
These bylaws were adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Alton Public Library on January 20, 2026.