Ashtabula County District Library Board Appointments

Pursuant to the Ohio Revised Code (O.R.C.) section 3375.22, the board of library trustees shall consist of seven members and be qualified electors of the library district or county. Three of the trustees shall be appointed by the judges of the court of common pleas, and four shall be appointed by the board of county commissioners. The term of office of said trustees shall be seven years. The members of such board of library trustees shall serve without compensation but shall be reimbursed for their actual and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties.

Section 3375.40 of the ORC details the powers and responsibilities of boards of public libraries trustees; along with the following expectations:

• To advocate for the library in the community, to oversee the general operation of the library and monitor its effectiveness, to establish policy, to determine the budget, to conduct public relations, and to plan for the future of the library.

• Attend all board meetings and participate appropriately. Read board minutes and other materials sent out before the board meeting. Be informed about all phases of the library operation. Serve on committees as assigned by the board chair. Lend expertise and leadership to the board for the good of the library. Actively participate in workshops and activities. Participate in fundraising activities. Visit the library often and be acquainted with its services by using them.

• Possess a true sense of the library’s enormous importance to the economic, social, and educational life of the community. Have an appreciation for the library and a desire to provide the best possible services for the community. The ability to work with people, plan, and communicate effectively.

The Board of Trustees generally meets every third Wednesday at the library at 5:30 p.m.

If interested for such appointment, the applicant must comply with the following criteria:

• The person shall submit a resume or this online application , listing their full legal name, residence address, phone number(s), date of birth, and full social security number, along with an email address (if applicable).

• The person shall submit a letter stating what their goals and objectives are for the term of their appointment.

• The Ashtabula County Sheriff’s Department shall conduct a free local criminal background check on all prospective appointees. They will provide the court with the results.

* To obtain the background check, the applicant will need to go the Sheriff’s civil window located on the first floor of the courthouse in Jefferson. They are open from 8:30 am-4:00 pm, but closed for lunch from 12:00 pm-1:00 pm.

**A driver’s license will be needed.

***The Sheriff’s contact phone number is 440-576-3545.

Upon review of the applicants, there may be interviews held by the Judges of the Common Pleas Court to aid in their decision. Regardless of their decision, applicants will be notified/contacted accordingly.