Library Trustee Guide: Home

 Access a PDF of the Handbook for Library Trustees of New York State, 2018 Edition.

Beginning January 1, 2023, each member, elected or appointed, of a board of trustees shall be required to complete a minimum of two hours of trustee education annually (Education Law 260-d added by Chapter 468 of the Laws of 2021). 

Per Education Law, trustee education topics may include financial oversight, accountability, fiduciary responsibilities and the general powers and duties of a library trustee. 

Each trustee should file evidence of completion of the education requirements with the library board president. Evidence of completion may include:

• Certificates of completion issued by the approved provider
• A signed self-assurance of completion. The self-assurance must identify the approved provider and include a description of the content and format of each activity (see sample form).

Libraries should adopt a Trustee Education Policy (see sample policy).

Questions? Please contact an STLS consultant, or check out the FAQ here.

• Library Trustee Webinars from the New York State Library