Library Searching for New Board of Trustees Member

Baltimore County Public Library is now accepting applications to fill a vacant Board of Library Trustees position. The board is made up of seven members who are appointed by the County Executive and serve five-year terms. The board currently meets in the morning on the third Tuesday of the month.

The application deadline is Friday, March 15. 

Eligibility Requirements 

Interested candidates must: 

• Be residents of Baltimore County (there is particular interest for those living in districts 4 and 7) 
• Represent the library services area 
• Have an interest in the library 
• Attend board meetings 
• Be willing to participate in trustee activities 
• Carry out plans effectively 
• Be part of the accountability process to the public 
• Communicate effectively 
• Work well with a team 

Trustees must also: 

• Stay up to date on current library trends by reading headlines 
• Attend professional meetings and visit other libraries 
• Serve as an advocate to convey the value of the public library while sharing the mission, identifying funding resources and garnering support of elected officials, community members and business leaders

How to Apply 

Those interested in applying can email their completed application form (PDF) to Sonia Alcántara-Antoine at ceo@bcpl.net or submit via mail to: 

Baltimore County Public Library
Attention: Sonia Alcántara-Antoine
320 York Road
Towson, Maryland 21204 

Review Process 

All applications will be reviewed by the board of Library Trustees. Applicants with the most appropriate qualifications will be interviewed by the board. Upon completion of interviews, the name or names of those applicants considered most highly qualified will be sent to the County Executive who will make the final appointment. 

Upon appointment, the member will be required to file a financial statement with the Baltimore County Ethics Commission. In the selection process, the board tries to represent the broad demographic makeup of Baltimore County. 

About the Board 

The board operates under Laws of Maryland Related to Public Libraries. The Board of Library Trustees has the legal authority and responsibility to oversee the library system is well-managed. Areas of responsibility include: 

• Hiring and evaluating the library CEO 
• Establishing library policy 
• Working with the CEO and staff to ensure the library system is sound and responds to the needs of the public 

Firsthand Experience 

The most recent member of the board, Claudia Cruz, spoke with us about her experience since joining the board in April 2023.  

Q: What have you enjoyed about serving on the board? 

A: “I have enjoyed being a part of the ever evolving, behind-the-scenes process that the library has to offer. As a board member, I can contribute my time and experience to the public libraries.”  

Q: Has it met your expectations? 

A: “My time thus far has exceeded my expectations because I have met many wonderfully committed professionals. These wonderful individuals work tirelessly to improve the libraries in Baltimore County.” 

Q: What would you share with someone considering joining the board? 

A: “I would share that it is a fulfilling opportunity, and the current board members are here to guide you along the way.”