Skip to main content
close
font 1 font 2 font 3
Reset to standard size
Font size options
Increase or decrease the font size for this website by clicking on the 'A's.
Yellow on Black White on Black Soft Greys Black on Linen Black on White
Reset to default contrast
Contrast options
Choose a color combination to give the most comfortable contrast.

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

Where Aurora Comes Together To Discover, Create, Connect, and Succeed.

Important Dates

Tuesday, September 20, 2022: First day to circulate nominating petitions


Monday, December 12 to Monday, December 19, 2022: Seven-day period within which to file nominating petitions with Library Board Secretary


Thursday, January 26, 2023: Last day for certification (certified to the County Clerk) – certification is made by the Secretary of the Library Board serving as the “Local Election Official”

Tuesday, April 4, 2023: Consolidated

Election

Qualifications

A person is not eligible to serve as a library trustee unless that person is a qualified elector of the library district and has resided in the library district at least one year at the time of filing nomination papers. (75 ILCS 16/30-20)


At the time of filing nomination papers, any person who is in debt to the library district – in the payment of taxes or otherwise – is not eligible to serve as a library trustee. Additionally, a person who has been convicted in any court located in the United States of any infamous crime, bribery, perjury, or other felony is not eligible to serve as a library trustee. (75 ILCS 16/30-20)


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

Signature Requirements

A candidate must obtain the signatures of a number a qualified voters residing in the district that is 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.
 

Nomination Papers

  Petitions: Nonpartisan
(SBE Form P-4)  
  Statement of Candidacy: Nonpartisan
(SBE Form P-1A)  
  Loyalty Oath (optional): All candidates
(SBE Form P-1C)  

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.

Term

Trustees shall be elected every 2 years at the regular election scheduled for trustees of public library districts under the Election Code for 6-year terms. Seven trustees shall constitute a board. (75 ILCS 16/30-10)


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 15, 2023) following the regular election of trustees. (75 ILCS 16/30-10, 30-40)


Within 74 days after their election or appointment, the incumbents and new trustees shall take their oath of office and meet to organize the board. (75 ILCS 16/30-40)

How to Run for Library Board of Trustees Program

Please note that this program was recorded on September 15, 2020.

Other Resources

  Public Library District Act of 1991  
  State of Illinois 2023 Candidates Guide  
  Illinois Public Library Trustee Manual  
  Illinois Library Association (ILA) Library Trustee Forum (LTF)