Friends of the Library ByLaws

Mission Statement

The mission of the Annandale Area Friends of the Library is to promote excellence in library services by working with the Library Board and staff to support the library, its services and programs. To carry out this mission, the Friends focus will be on fundraising, public relations, volunteer services, and advocacy.

The purpose of this organization shall be to maintain an association of persons interested in library collection and programs; to focus attention on the library services, facilities, and needs (through volunteers and fundraising efforts); to provide advocates in support of the library community; and to stimulate monetary gifts, magazine & newspaper subscriptions, desirable collections, endowments, and bequests.

Any property, monies or other items of value belongs to this organization or hereafter acquired is and shall be irrevocably dedicated to the herein described purposes, and no individual shall be entitled at any time, including dissolution, to receive any benefits from the property or accounts of the organization. In the event of dissolution or the impossibility of performing the purposes herein described, the assets will be distributed to an organization which is exempt under the Minnesota Revenue Code, or Section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code.

Section 1: Membership in this organization shall be open to all individuals and families in supporting its purposes, and to organizations and clubs when representation in the organization is desired.

Section 3: Each organization, family, or individual shall be entitled to one vote.

Section 1: The Officers of this organization shall be President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer. These officers compose the Board of Directors.

Section 2: The officers shall be nominated by the membership. Nominations may be made from the floor at the annual meeting with the consent of the nominee.

Section 3: Officers shall be elected by a majority vote of those present at the annual meeting. The terms of office shall be one year. The President shall be an ex-officio member of the Board the year following his/her term. All terms shall begin January 1 following the annual meeting.

Section 1: The Standing Committees shall be as follows: Membership, Programming, Fundraising and Finance. Additional Committees may be identified as needed. The Chairs of the Standing Committees will be designated by the Officers.

Section 1: The organization shall hold its annual meeting on a date selected from September through November for the purpose of electing officers, to receive various reports and to transact any other business. A written notice shall be sent to the members at least two weeks prior to the meeting.

Section 2: In addition to the annual meeting, the organization shall schedule at least three additional meetings each year.

Section 3: Special meetings may be held as directed by the President. A written notice shall be sent to members two weeks before the meeting.

Section 4: At the annual meeting, a majority of those present is sufficient to transact business, except for the purpose of adopting amendments to the bylaws.

The bylaws may be amended at any regular or special meeting of the association by a two-thirds majority of the members present. However, the intention to amend bylaws must be given by written notice to the members two weeks prior to the meeting at which time they are to be presented for consideration and a vote.

Section 2: No funds or properties shall be disbursed without written authority of the President and Treasurer, following approval by the membership.

Section 3: The Board shall appoint an auditor, not an Officer, to audit the Treasurers books prior to the annual meeting.

Section 4: At the discretion of the Executive Committee, expenditures may be made without prior approval of the membership up to $200.

All meetings shall be conducted according to Roberts Rules of Order Revised, except when in conflict with the bylaws of this association or with the laws of the State of Minnesota.