BY-LAWS
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
FRIENDS OF FREEMAN MEMORIAL LIBRARY
ARTICLE I – NAME
Section 1. The name of this organization shall be the Board of Trustees of the Friends of the Freeman Library of Harris County, Texas.
ARTICLE II – PURPOSE
Section 1. The purpose of the organization shall be to promote the cause of the Freeman Memorial Library in the community by fund raising efforts and cultural activities: to provide items for the Library not provided by the annual budget of the Harris County Commissioners Court, and/or to supply those things deemed by the Board to enhance the overall quality of the Library.
ARTICLE III – MEMBERSHIP
Section 1. There shall be a total of eighteen (18) trustees, with one-third elected each year in May for a three-year term commencing the following June.
Section 2. [change in works]
Section 3. When a vacancy occurs it shall be filled by the Board for the duration of the unexpired term.
Section 4. For eligibility purposes, an appointment to an unexpired term of two years or greater is considered a full term. An absence of one full year is required before a former Trustee is eligible for re-election or appointment to office, if said Trustee has already seerved the maximum allowed term of office.
Section 5. The Head Librarian shall be an ex-officio non-voting member of the Board.
Section 6. A Trustee’s position may be declared vacant upon four (4) consecutive absences from the regular Board meetings without prior notice to the Secretary.
Section 7. The President shall appoint a nominating Committee in April, consisting of three members, to develop a slate of qualified candidates for election as trustees. The Committee will present a slate for election by the Board at the May Meeting. Nominations may be made from the floor. When there are more candidates presented than positions open, the voting shall be by secret ballot, and the candidates receiving the highest number of votes shall be elected. The Nominating Committee shall also present a slate of officers from among the Trustees for election at the June Board meeting.
ARTICLE IV – OFFICERS AND THEIR DUTIES
Section 1. The officers of this organization shall be President, Vice-President, Treasurer and Secretary, to be elected by the Trustees at the June meeting to serve for one year.
Section 2. The President shall preside at all meetings, shall appoint all committees, and shall serve as an ex-officio member of all committees except the Nominating Committee. The President shall represent the Board at appropriate community functions. The President shall be responsible for promoting the purposed of the Board of Trustees.
Section 3. The Vice President shall preside in the absence of the President, shall perform such duties as may be assigned by the President, and serve as County Liaison.
Section 4. The Treasurer shall keep accurate records of all moneys received and disbursed, and shall sign all checks. The Treasurer is authorized to pay budgeted expenses and shall bring to the attention of the Board for approval all unusual or over-budget items.
Section 5. The Secretary shall keep accurate minutes of all meetings, shall keep a record of attendance, shall be custodian of the records of this organization, and shall conduct all correspondence.
Section 6. The Officers shall constitute an Executive Committee, and may be convened at the discretion of the President. The Executive Committee shall have the authority to act for the Board in emergency matters, and actions shall be reported to the Board at the next regular meeting.
ARTICLE V – MEETINGS
Section 1. The Trustees shall meet monthly on a date to be decided by the Board of Trustees at 7:00 p.m. in the Meeting Room of the library, unless otherwise ordered by vote of the Trustees.
Section 2. A quorum of five (5) members shall be necessary to transact all business of the Board.
ARTICLE VI – AMENDMENTS
Section 1. These By-Laws may be amended at any regular Board meeting by a two-thirds vote of those members present, provided notice of the proposed amendment has been submitted in writing at the previous regular meeting.
The above by-laws were adopted as amended at a meeting held on May 12, 1998.