Bylaws

1. Name

   The name of the District is Sno-Isle Regional Intercounty Rural Library District, which shall be commonly known as and shall transact business under the name "Sno-Isle Libraries" (referred to hereinafter as the "Library District"). The name of this Board shall be "Sno-Isle Libraries Board of Trustees," hereinafter the "Board."

2. Management and Control

   1. Management. The management and control of the Library District is vested in the Board who shall appoint an Executive Director as hereinafter provided.
   2. Duties. RCW 27.12.210 gives the Board the responsibility to:
      1. Adopt such bylaws, rules, and regulations for Board guidance and for the government of the library as the Board deems expedient;
      2. Have the supervision, care, and custody of all property of the library, including the rooms or buildings constructed, leased, or set apart therefor;
      3. Employ a librarian, and upon his or her recommendation employ such other assistants as may be necessary, all in accordance with the provisions of RCW 27.04.055 prescribe their duties, fix their compensation, and remove them for cause;
      4. Prepare its budget, certify the same, and deliver it to the board of county commissioners in ample time for it to make the tax levies for the purpose of the district;
      5. Have exclusive control of the finances of the library;
      6. Accept such gifts of money or property for library purposes as they deem expedient;
      7. Lease or purchase land for library buildings;
      8. Lease, purchase, or erect an appropriate building or buildings for library purposes, and acquire such other property as may be needed therefor;
      9. Purchase books, periodicals, maps, and supplies for the library; and
      10. Do all other acts necessary for the orderly and efficient management and control of the library.

3. Membership

   1. Appointment. The Board shall consist of seven (7) members appointed by the joint action of the Snohomish County Council and the Board of Island County Commissioners. RCW 27.12.190.
   2. Representation by county. Five (5) members shall reside in Snohomish County, and two (2) members shall reside in Island County. Any resident of the Sno-Isle Library District shall be eligible for appointment.
   3. Terms. The term of office is seven (7) years. No Trustee shall serve more than two (2) consecutive terms. An unexpired term of more than three (3) years shall be considered a full term. All terms commence January 1 of their respective year of appointment.
   4. Vacancies. Vacancies shall be filled for unexpired terms as soon as possible in the manner in which members of the Board are regularly chosen and appointed. RCW 27.12.190.
   5. Absences. It is the expectation of the Board to have full representation of the members in all governance and policy-making decisions. Regular attendance by all members of the Board is crucial for the Board to fulfill its role. If unable to attend a meeting, each trustee assumes the responsibility to notify the Chair or Executive Director in advance of a pending absence. A Board member who has three unexcused absences from Board or committee meetings in a twelve (12) month period shall be contacted by the Chair for re-commitment to their term.
   6. Trustee Nominating Committee. A Trustee nominating committee shall be appointed by the President to select a candidate for Trustee to recommend to the Snohomish County Council and the Board of Island County Commissioners for appointment to the Board of Trustees.
   7. Removal. A Trustee may be removed for just cause by the joint action of the Snohomish County Council and the Island County Commissioners pursuant to RCW 27.12.190.
   8. Resignation. If any member resigns at any time, written notice must be sent to the Board President. Any such resignation shall take effect at the date of receipt of the notice or any later date specified. The acceptance of the resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective.
   9. Compensation. Trustees shall not receive a salary or other compensation for services as a Trustee, but necessary expenses actually incurred shall be paid from Library District funds. RCW 27.12.190.
   10. Executive Director. The Executive Director shall be selected by the Board, consistent with RCW qualifications. The Executive Director, under the direction of the Board, shall be the chief executive officer of the Library District. The Executive Director shall be responsible for the administration of the Library District and shall perform those duties set forth in any contract of employment with the Library District and such additional duties and responsibilities as the Board may direct. RCW 27.12.190 and RCW 27.04.055.

4. Meetings

   1. Regular Meetings. Regular open public meetings of the Board shall be held on dates and time determined annually unless changed according to IV c. Notices of regular monthly meetings shall be published at least five (5) days before the meeting and shall include the place of the meeting, the agenda, financial statements, and documents or reports pertaining to business that require Board action. RCW 42.30.030, RCW 42.30.070, and RCW 42.30.077.
   2. Special Meetings. The Board President, or a majority of the Board, may schedule special meetings in accordance with the laws of the state of Washington. Notice shall specify the time and place of the special meeting and the business to be transacted. Final disposition shall not be taken by the governing body on any other matter at such meetings. The notices provided in this section may be dispensed with in the event a special meeting is called to deal with an emergency involving injury or damage to persons or property or the likelihood of such injury or damage, when time requirements of such notice would make notice impractical and increase the likelihood of such injury or damage. RCW 42.30.080
   3. Change of schedule. The schedule may be changed by a simple majority vote of the Board and updated on the Library District's website.

5. Officers

   1. Officers. The officers of the Board shall be President, Vice President, and Secretary. The Board shall elect officers at the last regular Board meeting of each year. Elected officers shall serve through the end of the calendar year.
   2. Officer Vacancies. The Board shall fill any vacancy of a Board officer at the next regular monthly meeting after the vacancy has occurred.
   3. Duties of the President. The President of the Board shall preside at all regular and special meetings of the Board and generally perform all duties associated with that office including appointing all committees, executing authorized documents, and perform all other necessary duties. The President shall retain the right to vote on all issues and serve as an ex officio member of all committees.
   4. Liaison to the Sno-Isle Libraries Foundation. The Vice President, or another Trustee as appointed by the President, shall serve as the Board liaison to the Sno-Isle Libraries Foundation.
   5. Standing committees shall be appointed by the President in January. Ad hoc committees will be appointed by the President as needed. Each committee shall consist of two Trustees and two ex-officio members including the Board President and Executive Director.
   6. Officer Nominating Committee. An officer nominating committee shall be appointed by the President to present a slate of officers. The chair of the Committee will present the nominations, ask for additional nominations, and call for the vote on the slate of officers. If no additional nominations are received, the officers will be elected by acclamation.
   7. Absence of Officers. In the absence of the President, the Vice President shall preside. In the absence of the President and Vice President, the Secretary shall preside. In case of the absence of the President, Vice President and Secretary, the Board may elect an officer pro tempore.
   8. Records of Proceedings. The Executive Director shall assign a staff person for the recording of all proceedings at the Board meetings. The President and Secretary shall sign the minutes as approved by the Board of Trustees.

6. Quorum

   A quorum for the transaction of business shall consist of a simple majority of the members of the Board. RCW 24.03.090

7. Form of Action

   1. Motions. The Board, by motion or resolution, determines all actions and decisions. Motions and seconds to motions may be made orally.
   2. Voice vote. All voting at meetings of the Board shall be by voice vote, unless a member shall request a roll call, and recorded in the minutes of the Board. RCW 24.03.085
   3. Simple majority. The vote of a majority of the members of the Board at a meeting at which a quorum is present, shall be necessary for the adoption of any matter voted upon by the members, unless a greater proportion is required by this chapter, the articles of incorporation, or the bylaws. RCW 24.03.090

8. Procedure at Meetings

   1. Procedures. The President shall determine the procedures for the Board meetings subject to the approval of the Board. The rules of order shall be in the general form of Roberts' Rules of Order as determined by the President.
   2. Open public meetings. All procedures of the Board, with the exception of Executive Sessions, shall be performed in open public session. RCW 42.30
   3. Executive Sessions. All Executive Sessions are the part of a regular or special meeting of the Board that is closed to the public. RCW 42.30.110
   4. Adjournment. All meetings of the Board may be recessed or adjourned upon the simple majority vote of those members present.
   5. Absence of quorum. If a quorum shall be lacking at any meeting of the Board the majority of the members present may adjourn the meeting and may schedule a new meeting.
   6. Attendance. In-person attendance is preferred and expected. Attendance by video call requires stable internet connection and equipment that allows the member to successfully join and participate in the meeting. Members will keep their cameras on during the entire meeting.
   7. Minutes of meetings. The written minutes shall consist primarily of a record of the actions taken and shall reflect the substance rather that the exact wording of a speaker or of a debate. Upon approval of the minutes of any Board meeting, said minutes shall be posted and maintained on the Library District's web site for a minimum of one (1) year plus current calendar year.
   8. Permanent Record. The Library District shall maintain a permanent record of the approved minutes of each regular and special meeting as the official record of said meeting. After six (6) years, the Library District may transfer the print copies of the minutes to Washington State Archives for permanent retention. Washington State Archives Common Records Retention Schedule.

9. Amendment of Bylaws

   1. These bylaws may be amended by approval of at least five (5) Trustees at any regular or special meeting of the Board when notice complying with the laws of the state of Washington has been given. Any proposed change(s) shall be sent to Trustees at least five (5) days prior to said meeting. RCW 27.12.120.
   2. Review of bylaws. These Bylaws shall be reviewed by the Library Board at least every four years.

Policy History

Date approved: February 26, 2024
Date adopted: 1963
Next review date: 2028

Code of Conduct

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to state the conduct that is expected of the Sno-Isle Board of Trustee members and to outline member roles and responsibilities with regard to member conduct.

Scope

The scope of this policy applies to all members of the Sno-Isle Libraries’ Board of Trustees

Implementation

• Support the vision and mission of Sno-Isle Libraries and embrace the United States Bill of Rights - First Amendment, Washington Library Association Intellectual Freedom Statement, and the right of our customers to pursue knowledge for their enrichment and continued education.
• Support and promote the benefits of the public library system.
• Comply with all national, state and local laws, rules and regulations regarding public libraries and follow only legal, professional, and ethical procedures to bring about desired changes.
• In cooperation with Library staff and the community attend to the evolving nature, value, and direction of public libraries in our society in order to facilitate needed changes and growth patterns.
• Support the maintenance of a comprehensive and balanced print and online collection and a broad range of programs and services that are representative and relevant to our diverse communities and customers.
• Commit to equity, diversity, and inclusion through the adoption of Library policies and practices that provide opportunities for every person in our community and organization to thrive.
• Support and uphold Sno-Isle’s Personnel Practices Policy 2-7: Non-Discrimination and Harassment regarding personal conduct and interactions with fellow Trustees and employees of Sno-Isle Libraries.
• Commit to express your unique viewpoint and draw from your personal expertise when deliberating business before the Board.
• Respect the opinions of fellow trustees and conduct yourself with respect and decorum when you disagree or oppose a viewpoint different from your own.
• Acknowledge and support the formal position of the Board after the Board has engaged in a full and open discussion, which may include casting of dissenting votes.
• Distinguish clearly between your personal philosophies, opinions, and positions and those of the Library, acknowledging and supporting the formal position of the Board, even if you disagree.
• Do not disclose confidential information gained while serving as a Trustee, nor use such information for personal gain.
• Provide reliable, deliberative, and open leadership.
• Make decisions on issues before the Board and reach conclusions only after deliberation and full public debate with fellow board members.
• Attend required regular and committee meetings, read distributed materials and information, and participate in discussions/votes.
• Respect the professional expertise of Sno-Isle Libraries staff and acknowledge that the internal operation of the library system is the responsibility of the Executive Director.
• Refer all questions and complaints about Library operations to the Board President who will work with the Executive Director to respond.
• Excuse yourself immediately whenever the appearance of a conflict of interest exists or an actual conflict exists.
• Pursue opportunities to improve your knowledge and understanding of Sno-Isle Libraries, libraries in general, and changing conditions which may impact the way the Library provides service to citizens.

Associated Policies and Laws

• United States. Bill of Rights - First Amendment, opens a new window.
• American Library Association. Code of Ethics, opens a new window.
• Washington State RCW 27.12.190, opens a new window. Library trustees—Appointment, election, removal, compensation.
• Washington State RCW 27.12. 192, opens a new window. Library trustees—Seven-member rural county library district boards.
• Washington State RCW 27.12.210, opens a new window. Library trustees—Organization—Bylaws—Powers and duties.
• Washington Library Association. Intellectual Freedom Statement, opens a new window.

Policy History

Date Approved: June 24, 2024
Next Review Date: 2028
Date Adopted: 1963