From the President, Bill Parker

THE COMMUNITY AND THE LIBRARY

The most important role of a library trustee is to represent the
community from which tomes the authority to govern and to lead. The role is
difficult because communities are composed of various interests and concerns,
Groups and organizations, needs and attitudes. Successfully representing the
total community is the greatest achievement to which a board can aspire.

_ Representation begins with the openness of the board - to the
people, new ideas, wider participation by trustees in the community and by
the commmnity in decisions by the board. ;

Library boards need to be visible in the community ~ through open.
Meetings, publicity on decisions and activities, personal appearances and
public relations by board members and opportunities for participation by the
public.

Many boards establish advisory groups: local artists to help plan
the art collection and events; business men and women to evaluate and suggest
services for industry and commerce; teenagers when their needs are being |
considered. Such committees tap the thinking and creativity of the community,
resulting in greater knowledge and use of the library and commnity pride in
an asset.

Successful library boards share their prblems with the commnity.
When money is tight, the community can help to decide how to use it and how to
work for a better monetary base. When there is need for a building, the con-
munity sits in on the planning end will pitch in to secure financing. When new
programs are being considered, community groups will help to determine which
ideas have the best chance to succeed and will be the first to know of and to
_ Use the new services. :

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Public participation is desirable at every turn so that the library board
has access to many opinions and the best ideas available. The two-way flow of
information makes the library more essential to the community because it offers
what the community needs and wants.

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