Trustee Resources

“Library trustees are powerful advocates for libraries… As part of a trustee board, trustees serve on a volunteer basis, can be elected or appointed to a library board for a period of time, and are tasked with the duty of helping to direct the funds and policies of an institution. In general, the library board of trustees has a role in determining the mission of the library, setting the policy that governs the library, hiring and evaluating a library director, and overseeing the general management of the library.” (Become a Library Trustee)

Public Library District Act of 1991

Sec. 30-55. Powers of trustees. The board of trustees of a district shall carry out the spirit and intent of this Act in establishing, supporting, and maintaining a public library or libraries within the district and for providing library service. In addition, and without limiting other powers conferred by this Act, the board shall have the powers set forth in the following Sections preceding Section 30-60. (75 ILCS 16/30-55)

Aurora Public Library District Vision: Connecting people to community, celebrating every story.

Qualifications

Qualified elector of the library district with one-year residency in the library district at the time nomination papers are filed. (75 ILCS 16/30-20(d)) 

A person is not eligible to serve as a library trustee who, at the time of filing nomination papers, is in arrears in the payment of a tax or other indebtedness due to the library district or has been convicted in any court located in the United States of any infamous crime, bribery, perjury, or other felony. (75 ILCS 16/30-20(e)) 

A person convicted of a felony, bribery, perjury, or other infamous crime, for an offense committed on or after November 17, 2023 (the effective date of Public Act 103-562) and committed while the person was serving as a public official in this State, is ineligible to hold any local public office unless the person's conviction is reversed, the person is again restored to such rights by the terms of a pardon for the offense, the person has received a restoration of rights by the Governor, or the person's rights are otherwise restored by law. (730 ILCS 5/5-5-5)

Important Dates

August 25, 2026

First day to circulate nominating petitions

November 16 - 23, 2026

Period within which to file nominating petitions with Library Board Secretary

January 28,  2026

Last day for certification for candidates (certified to the County Clerk) – certification is made by the Secretary of the Library Board serving as the “Local Election Official”

April  6, 2027

Consolidated Election

Nomination Papers

Statement of Economic Interests: Filed with the county clerk of the county in which the principal office of the unit of local government with which the person is associated is located.

Fair Campaign Practices Act (voluntary): Filed with the State Board of Elections or the county clerk.

Signature Requirements

A number of qualified voters residing in the district equivalent to at least 2% of the votes cast at the last election for library trustees, or 50, whichever is less. (75 ILCS 16/30-20(a)) 


Where to File

Candidates must file with the Library District Secretary:
101 S. River St.
Aurora, IL 60506

Campaign Disclosure reports must be filed either on paper or electronically with the State Board of Elections at: 
2329 S. MacArthur Blvd.
Springfield, IL 62704
OR
69 W. Washington St.
Pedway LL-08, Chicago, IL 60602

Term

7 Trustees: 6-year terms. The library board may, by resolution, change to 4-year terms. (75 ILCS 16/30-10)

The term begins the third Monday of the month (May 17, 2027) following the regular election of trustees.

(75 ILCS 16/30-10, 30-40(e))

Within 74 days after their election or appointment, the incumbents and new trustees shall take their oaths of office and

meet to organize the board. (75 ILCS 16/30-40(a)) 

Other Resources