April 2025
April 2025 Standard News article
By Gaylee Harris, Director
Montgomery City Public Library
Do you love our small town’s library? Do you have ideas to help MCPL grow and prosper? Do you want to make a positive impact on your community? Do you live within the city limits of Montgomery City? If you answered yes to these questions, then I have a position for you!
The Montgomery City Public Library Board of Trustees has two positions available for the July 2025- June 2026 Fiscal Year. The MCPL Board of Trustees is made up of nine members. Their responsibilities include recruiting and employing a qualified library director, identifying and adopting policies to govern the library’s operation, writing a strategic plan with input from the director and community, and assisting in the library’s financial management. Trustees also promote the library’s mission, are advocates for MCPL, and have a deep interest in the long-range vision for the library.
No specific library experience is required to serve on the Montgomery City Public Library Board of Trustees. The Board needs people interested in actively serving our community and helping the library thrive. Trustees are considered library representatives and are encouraged to attend various library activities. Trustees are expected to take an interest in library staff, events, and public relations. Support of the Montgomery City Public Library Friends of the Library is also encouraged.
The MCPL Board of Trustees meets on the second Wednesday of the month at 7:00 pm in the Community Room. Meetings typically last an hour. Advanced notice is expected if you cannot attend a meeting. Plan to serve on a special committee or two that meet as needed.
Trustee terms are for three years. If replacing a member who resigned before his/her term expired, you would serve until the prior Trustee’s term expired. Trustees can serve three consecutive terms.
Trustee Jamie Bukovac comments, “I love our little library because it is very cozy, easy to navigate, and the staff is very friendly. Since I was not born and raised in Montgomery City, big city libraries were all I knew, and they were intimidating and confusing. When my children and I come to the library, they know exactly where to go and how to find the books they want. Recently, our library has installed colorful and attractive signs to help patrons find their way around our library. It’s hard to realize we never had this needed tool until it was implemented. I cannot rave enough about our staff. Our director and librarians are all equipped with a unique set of skills. Like bookends, they hold up our books, magazines, games, things, etc., so our library can stand tall and mighty among some of the bigger books- or libraries- in the state. This is why I am so proud to have been a small part of the Montgomery City Library Board and why I love our library.”
“I love the library because it is a playground of knowledge. It is a place where people can come and expand their minds through books, programs, and resources. It's an essential community place for people, young and old,” remarks Board Vice President Theo Tate.
Board President Patti Pazdera explains, “It has been a privilege to see how much the library has grown in the five years I have been a board member. The Creation Station and Library of Things was started and has expanded quite a bit. There truly is something for everyone at our local library. If you haven’t been there in a while, stop by and ask for a tour!”
Mrs. Pazdera continues, “We need a variety of Trustees to bring different talents, thoughts, experiences, and ideas to the table. If you have a love for information, reading, and literacy, please consider volunteering your time by becoming a Board of Trustees member for the Montgomery City Public Library.”
Individuals interested in becoming a Montgomery City Public Library Trustee should fill out a brief application available at the library or on the library’s Facebook page and website. Applications will be evaluated by the Library Board of Trustees and the Library Director. The Montgomery City Council will appoint the new Trustees.