Bemus Point Library

Constitution and Bylaws

 

Mission:  The Bemus Point Library connects the community with information, resources, technology, and events providing an opportunity for lifelong learning and enrichment.

 

Preamble:  The Board of Trustees (hereinafter designated as the “Board”) of The Bemus Point Library, a corporation created under a charter granted under Section 253 of the New York State Education Law by the Board of Regents (or Secretary of State) of the State of New York dated 1/22/68, shall be governed by the laws of New York State, the regulations of the Commissioner of Education and by the following bylaws.

 

Bylaws:

 

  1. Name of Organization – The name of the organization shall be the Bemus Point Library.

 

 

  1. Purpose – The purpose of the organization is to provide superior library service to the residents, adults and children of the communities of the town of Ellery.

 

  1. Fiscal – The fiscal year of the library shall be the calendar year.

 

  1. Board of Trustees

 

  1. The library shall be governed by a Board of Trustees. The Board shall consist of no more than 9 members and no less than 6 members.  They will be elected for terms of 3 years, such term to take effect January 1 following their election at the regular December Study Club meeting. 
  2. Eligibility for office shall be limited to adults residing or owning property within Chautauqua County.
  3. Any vacancy shall be filled by special election by the remaining members of the Board for the remainder of the term of that particular position.
  4. The Board may remove a trustee for misconduct, incapacity, neglect of duty or refusal to carry into effect the library’s educational purpose as provided in Education Law 226: subdivision 8.
  5. Each Trustee shall have one vote, irrespective of office held.
  6. A majority of the whole Board is required for any motion to pass.
  7. All actions of the Board shall be of the Board as a unit. No Board member shall act on behalf of the Board, on any matter, without prior approval of the Board.  No Board member by virtue of his/her office shall exercise any administrative responsibility with respect to the library nor, as an individual, command the services of any library employee.

 

  1. Officers

 

  1. The officers of the Board shall be the President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer, elected annually by the Board at the December Board meeting. These officers shall serve for a period of one year or until their successor shall have been duly elected.
  2. The duties of such officers shall be as follows:
    1. President – The President of the Board shall preside at all meetings, appoint all committees, or call any special meeting of the Board.
    2. Vice President – In the event of the absence or disability of the President, or of a vacancy in that office, shall assume and perform the duties and functions of the President.
  • Secretary – The Secretary shall keep a true account of all proceedings of the Board meetings.
  1. Treasurer – The Treasurer shall have charge of the Library operating funds, shall sign checks as authorized by the Board and shall report at each meeting the state of the funds.

 

  1. Committees – Special committees shall be appointed by the President of the Board to investigate and study special problems, such committees to serve until work for which they are appointed is completed. The President shall be, ex officio, a member of all committees.

 

  1. Meetings

 

  1. Meetings shall be held each month, the date and hour to be set by the Board.
  2. A majority of Board members shall constitute a quorum for the conducting of all business.
  3. A special meeting of the Board may be called at any time by the President or upon the request of three members for a special purpose. No business may be transacted at such special meeting except the stated business.
  4. At the Annual Meeting of the Bemus Point Study Club, the Library Director shall present the annual report of the Library.
  5. The operating and financial reports for the previous year shall be presented at the regular meeting in January.
  6. The preliminary budget for the subsequent calendar year, shall be presented to the Board’s at the regular November meeting.
  7. The final budget for the subsequent calendar year shall be presented for approval at the regular meeting in December.

 

 

  1. Amendments
    1. Amendments to these Bylaws may be proposed at any regular meeting and shall be voted upon at the next regular meeting. Written notice of the proposed amendment or amendments shall be sent to all absent members at least 10 days prior to the voting session.  A simple majority of the whole Board shall be sufficient for adoption of an amendment.
    2. Any rule or resolution of the Board, whether contained in these Bylaws or otherwise, may be suspended temporarily in connection with business at hand, but such suspension, to be valid may be taken only at a meeting at which 2/3 of the members of the Board shall be present and 2/3 of those present shall so approve.

 

  1. Procedure – All procedures not specified herein shall be in accord with Robert’s Rules of Order, Revised.