Rochester Public Library Board of Trustees

Meeting Agendas and Recordings

• Agendas posted one week prior to meetings
• For meetings prior to April 1, 2023 - visit the meeting archive

Previous board minutes

• Available from 1861 - present
• Can be keyword searched (except for handwritten minutes)

Freedom to Read Resolution (PDF) 

Rochester Public Library's (RPL) Board of Trustees supports the library’s mission: “welcoming all to connect and learn.” The Board upholds the library’s values, including the “respect for intellectual freedom” especially as libraries across the nation are facing a rise in book challenges.

WHEREAS,

• RPL has books and materials representing different viewpoints, beliefs, backgrounds, and experiences; and
• RPL Board members uphold the intellectual freedom of community members; and
• removing materials prevents community members from having important access to information; and
• the freedom to read is essential to our democracy; and
• reading is among one of our greatest freedoms; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED,

• the library’s collection development policy supports intellectual freedom for RPL users; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED,

• the Board condemns censorship and book banning in all forms.

Adopted by the Rochester Public Library Board
October 19, 2022

Rochester, Minnesota

Pride Month Resolution PDF

Rochester Public Library's (RPL) Board of Trustees supports the library’s mission: “welcoming all to connect and learn.” The Board upholds the library’s values, including the “respect for intellectual freedom” and “access for all” especially as public libraries nationwide face coordinated censorship tactics focused on LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, asexual/aromantic, plus) materials which limit access to critical affirming representation; and providing a “welcoming environment” especially as the LGBTQIA+ community faces ongoing attacks on their basic human rights.

WHEREAS,

• RPL has books and materials representing a variety of viewpoints, beliefs, backgrounds, and experiences; and
• RPL creates thematic book displays to highlight and support diverse communities; and
• RPL is a long-standing supporter of the LGBTQIA+ community; and
• RPL honors Pride Month with programming, displays of materials, and information to ensure access to critical affirming and representative materials during a time when human rights are under attack across the nation; and
• RPL Board members uphold the intellectual freedom of community members; and
• removing materials, hiding materials, and other censorship activities prevents community members from having important access to information; and
• the freedom to read is essential to our democracy; and
• reading is among one of our greatest freedoms; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED,

• the library’s collection development policy supports intellectual freedom for RPL users; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED,

• the Board condemns censorship and book banning in all forms. Adopted by the Rochester Public Library Board June 8, 2023

Rochester, Minnesota

The Commission shall consist of: Seven of the nine Library Board members are named by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council. Two are named by the County Board, and sent to the Mayor and then to City Council for confirmation. Representatives’ terms are for three years, with two terms the maximum.

Meetings are the third Wednesday of every month at 4:30 p.m. in Meeting Room C on the first floor of the Library.

Responsibilities of the Library Board are set forth in state library law and also in Rochester's Home Rule Charter.

The Charter includes the following responsibilities:

• Setting policies and rules for the library (NOT "procedures" which are the way we carry out "policies").  Examples:  increasing overdue fees, initiating new services.
• Exclusive control of the expenditure of the funds allocated to library purposes by City Council.  Examples:  approving budget requests before they are submitted to the City, approving any change of plan on how the budget is to be spent.
• Acceptance of gifts to be used for library purposes. Decision on what gifts should be transferred to the Rochester Public Library Foundation.  Example:  memorial gifts are accepted by the Board which determines how they will be spent.
• Control of and responsibility for the library building, including maintenance, repair, and, with Council approval, purchase of ground and "erect thereon...suitable buildings for the use of said library".  (Title to any library building is vested in the City, however.)  Example:  the Board has "final say" on the design, furnishings, maintenance and other aspects of the library building, within the limits of available funds.
• To "appoint, employ and remove a suitable librarian and necessary assistants...and fix their compensations" subject to the employment procedures established by the Charter or Common Council.  Example:  the Board hires, evaluates, and may fire the Director and delegates the responsibility for other staffing to the Director
• To make an annual report to the Council including a financial accounting and a description of the extent and nature of services provided.
• Approve appointments to the Library Foundation Board.

The President shall preside at all meetings, appoint committees with the approval of the Board, authorize calls for any special meetings and generally perform the duties of a presiding officer.

The Vice President shall assume the duties of the President in his or her absence.

The Secretary is responsible to see that a true and accurate account of all proceedings at Board meetings is kept as legally required and perform other duties as usually pertain to the office of secretary.

Toolkit for board members

City representatives

• must be a resident of Rochester, MN
• Application for City representative

County representatives

• must be a resident of Olmsted County
• Application for County representative

Youth representative

• Position Description
• Application for Youth representative