Many of the things you see and associate with the library are done by YDL’s full-time staff. YDL is led by a Director, who manages the library’s day-to-day operations and oversees the rest of the staff. These are the people you see at the front desk, reading at storytimes, and assisting patrons.
The Board, on the other hand, is primarily responsible for financial stewardship and policies. The Board makes decisions about the library’s annual budget and larger purchases. It also makes decisions about the library’s rules (e.g., computer access policies). The Board makes all of its decisions at monthly meetings, which are held at one of the library locations and open to the public.
The Ypsilanti District Library is a public entity and is partially supported by property taxes. For that reason, Michigan law requires its governing body to be an elected board. The YDL Board is composed of seven members, each elected to a four-year term. Board members are unpaid volunteers and must be residents of the areas that YDL serves (Ypsilanti Township, the City of Ypsilanti, and part of Superior Township).
Because the Board is an elected body, it serves another important role: listening and responding to people in the community. Although the Board meets only once a month, members spend much more time engaging with community organizations, fundraising, and working to understand how the library can better meet the needs of the people it serves.
Gordon looks forward to being a part of this process and being highly responsive to people in the community. If you have concerns, ideas, or questions about the future of the library, he wants to hear from you. Reach out at gordon@kangasfortrustee.com.