Friends By-Laws

By-Laws

Friends of the Jamestown Philomenian Library

Adopted August 25, 1971

Amendments

  • January 10, 1972
  • August 4, 1985
  • July 19, 1987
  • June 15, 2000
  • May 2, 2017
  • June 3, 2020
  • September 26, 2022

Article I – Name

The name of this organization shall be Friends of the Jamestown Philomenian Library.

Article II – Purpose

The purpose of this organization shall be to maintain an association of persons interested in libraries; to focus attention on the Jamestown Philomenian Library; to stimulate the use of the library's resources and services; to provide programming and raise funds for programming; and to support the freedom to read as expressed in the American Library Association Bill of Rights.

Article III – Membership

An Annual Membership Dues Campaign will begin in June. Dues shall be payable annually for the period of January 1 through December 31.

Each member of the Board of the Friends is required to be a member at any level. Donation levels will be recommended by the Board, and individual discretion will be recognized.

In addition to the June membership campaign, a reminder letter will be sent during the first week of November to encourage renewals and recruit new members by December 31.

Each member of the Friends shall be entitled to one vote.

Article IV – Board of Directors

  1. The Board of Directors shall consist of three officers (President, Vice President/Treasurer, and Secretary) and six to twelve directors. The Library Director shall serve as an ex-officio member.
  2. A Nominating Committee appointed by the President shall nominate officers and directors. Additional nominations may be made from the floor with the consent of the nominee.
  3. Officers shall be elected by a majority vote at the annual meeting. Directors serve three-year terms. Officers may not serve more than two successive terms.
  4. Vacancies may be filled by appointment until the next annual meeting.

Article V – Duties of Officers

  1. President: Presides over meetings, delegates responsibilities, serves as an ex-officio committee member, and schedules the annual meeting.
  2. Vice President/Treasurer: Maintains financial records, reports to the Board and membership, and files required state and federal reports.
  3. Secretary: Records meeting minutes, maintains records, notifies members of meetings, and conducts routine correspondence.

Article VI – Meetings

  1. Monthly Board meetings shall be held from September through June on a schedule agreed upon by the Board.
  2. A majority of Board members shall constitute a quorum.
  3. An Annual Meeting shall be held in September with at least two weeks' notice provided via the library website and, at the Board's discretion, additional media.

Article VII – Committees

  1. Financial Review Committee: Reviews financial records biennially or when a new Treasurer is elected.
  2. Nominating Committee: Submits nominations in writing at the annual meeting.
  3. Other Committees: Established by the Board as needed.

Article VIII – Amendment

Amendments to these by-laws may be made by a two-thirds vote at any meeting, provided written notice has been given at least two weeks in advance.

Article IX – Parliamentary Procedure

Robert's Rules of Order, revised, shall govern proceedings when not in conflict with these by-laws.

Article X – Dissolution

Upon dissolution, assets shall be distributed exclusively for charitable purposes consistent with Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.