Houston Library Board
500 McKinney
Houston, TX 77002
Contact: Susan Bischoff
Phone: (832) 393-1450 Fax: (832) 393-1450
Email: Sbischoff@houstonlibraryfoundation.org
Updated as of: 6/10/2010
LEGAL AUTHORITY FOR CREATION AND OPERATION(City)
City of Houston Code of Ordinances, Chapter 24, Article II, Sections 24-25 through 24-35.
GENERAL POWER AND DUTIES
1. Solicit funds, gifts, and bequests for library acquisitions, additions and improvements.
2. Review and make advisory recommendations to the Mayor and City Council on the acceptance of gifts of real estate, art objects, and items of similar nature. Review and make advisory recommendation to the Mayor and City Council on any proposed physical additions and improvements to be paid for with City funds.
3. Review and make recommendations on library department matters submitted to it by the director of the library department or by the Mayor and City Council.
4. Manage, invest and oversee the investment of funds, gifts, and bequests donated for library purposes and held in special trust accounts set up by the Board for these purposes or invested by the Board.
5. Cooperate with any trust created for purpose similar to its own.
6. Contract for financial management & investment services and pay reasonable fees for funds from gifts, bequests and income.
7. Exercise sole discretion on how to accomplish the purpose of any fund given for a special purpose.
8. Seek removal of any trustee of trusts established to benefit the libraries of the City.
MEETING TIME AND LOCATION
Meeting the 4th Tuesday of each month at the Central Library, 500 McKinney, Houston, Library board room. Generally, the November and December meetings are combined into one meeting.
COMPOSITION
TOTAL: 21 members, 19 and 2 non voting members serving ex officio.
NOTE: One member may, but need not, be occupied by a non-resident.
19 Voting Positions: nominated by Mayor and confirmed by City Council.
2 Non Voting Positions (Ex officios):
(1) Mayor
(2) Superintendent of HISD
QUORUM: Ten voting members.
TERM: Two years.
CHAIRPERSON: Elected by membership.
COMPENSATION: Members of the library board shall serve without compensation from the city or any firm, trust, donation or legacy to or on behalf of the city. In the event it is found necessary, for the better performance of any of their several duties, for any member, or committee of members of the board, to make any trips on behalf of the library, their actual traveling and living expenses shall be paid. Full and detailed vouchers of such expenses shall be filed and preserved.
FINANCIAL ACCOUNTABILITY
Entity is included in the financial reporting for the City of Houston. Required to take an Ethics Course.
MEMBER LIST