The Board of Trustees is the governing body for all public libraries in South Carolina. They perform the important services of supporting the library director, representing the library needs of their communities, and advocating for the library at the county and state level.
Friends of the Library groups are a crucial source of support for public libraries. They help raise funds for special library needs, and they advocate for the library at the local and state level.
Board Meeting Minutes
As noted in the South Carolina State Library Reference Manual for Public Library Trustees, a copy of the board meeting minutes should be submitted to the State Library.
Upload your board meeting minutes, bylaws, and other Board documents here:
Training
The South Carolina State Library offers in-person or online training for Boards and Friends. Contact the Library Development Director for assistance.
The State Library offers statewide access to United for Libraries, a resource that includes live webinars, online training, toolkits, and tip sheets for library Boards of Trustees, Friends, foundations, and advocates.
Resources
South Carolina State Statutes 4-9-35 through 4-9-39
The South Carolina State Statutes 4-9-35 through 4-9-39 dictate the role of the Board of Trustees in the governance of public libraries.
The South Carolina State Library Reference Manual for Public Library Trustees
Print copies of the manual are available for library directors and current library trustees of South Carolina public libraries; please contact the Library Development Director to request a manual.
The SC Pocket Guide for Library Boards
The SC Pocket Guide for Library Boards is a great quick resource to explain the functions of the library board to potential board members, county council members or government staff, elected officials, or members of the community.
Trustee, Director, and Friends Roles and Responsibilities
If your Board or Friends are unclear about the division of responsibility in the library, the Trustee, Director, and Friends Roles and Responsibilities sheet will help clarify the relationship between the three groups.
