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Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners Resource Guide Collection

Trustees: Training for Trustees

Information, resources, and advice for library trustees in Massachusetts.

Trustee Orientations from MBLC

The Board of Library Commissioners holds Trustee Orientation sessions in the spring and fall, and we make every effort to cover all parts of the Commonwealth to reach as many trustees as possible. 

>> Why should I attend?

Are you a new library trustee eager to learn about your new, and very important, role? A “seasoned” board member looking for a refresher course? These 2-hour sessions cover a range of topics relevant to being an effective trustee, such as your roles and responsibilities as a member of a library board, and state laws you need to know. Time is included for questions and answers. This is a great opportunity to meet key MBLC staff who work with trustees, as well as trustees from your neighboring libraries! Orientations are aimed at new trustees, but all trustees and library directors are welcome to attend.

Requests for Orientations

MBLC is offering Virtual Trustee Orientations during the COVID-19 pandemic. We look forward to resuming in person sessions when it is safe to do so. 

Recent orientations have been held at:

2018: Brockton, Waltham, Sunderland, Chatham, Ayer

2017: Medford, Orleans, Mansfield, Lee, North Andover

2016: Hamilton-Wenham, Canton, Southborough, Palmer, West Tisbury, Salisbury, Fitchburg, Plymouth, South Hadley

2015: Burlington, Rutland, Somerset, Wilbraham, Bourne, Lee

Other Training Opportunities

There are many other training opportunities available with relevance to library trustees, including those listed below. Keep your eyes open for others!

Take our poll!

What kinds of programs would you like to attend?

Open Meeting Laws: 1 votes (1.67%)
Library Security: 1 votes (1.67%)
Ethics & Legal Issues: 0 votes (0%)
Library Advocacy: 5 votes (8.33%)
Policies: 2 votes (3.33%)
Long Range/Strategic Planning: 6 votes (10%)
Budgets & Finance: 3 votes (5%)
New Trustee Orientation: 42 votes (70%)
Total Votes: 60