Carpinteria Municipal Code Ch. 2.37 Library Advisory Commission

The Carpinteria Community Library Advisory Commission ("commission") shall be composed of five members representative of the library service area with an option to expand as needed. Members will be appointed to two-year terms. All members of the commission shall be appointed through nomination by the president of the library board of trustees ("board") and consent of the board, and shall serve at the pleasure of the board. The commission may also include youth representatives from the library service area. The voting members of the library advisory commission may appoint one or more youth representatives from within the library service area. Youth representatives shall be non-voting members of the commission and shall not receive a stipend for their service. Youth representatives may serve a term of up to two years. Youth representatives may be excused from library advisory commission meetings on an as-needed basis provided that they give advanced notice for their absence. The number of youth representatives appointed shall be determined at the discretion of the commission, based on the number of applications received and the qualifications of the applicants. The commission shall invite a liaison representative from the Friends of the Carpinteria Library, Friends of the Montecito Library, the city representative to the Santa Barbara County Library Advisory Committee, and a representative from the office of the County Board of Supervisors First District to attend regular meetings.

Should additional libraries be added to the Carpinteria Library System in the future, additional voting members may be added to the commission.

The board president and board shall also, through its nomination and appointment process, seek to ensure a commission that is representative of the library service area population demographic; library user groups, including underrepresented user groups; and person(s) knowledgeable in library management and operations.

(Ord. No. 756, § 2, 6-13-2022; Ord. No. 782, § 2, 5-28-2024; Ord. No. 793, § 2, 5-27-2025)

A. The commission is intended to be a conduit between the community, board, and the city librarian, to provide advice and feedback. The commission will review programs and services and make necessary recommendations as they pertain to the provision of these programs and services with the goals of increasing citizen participation and helping to develop consensus for recommendations to the board.

B. These guidelines establish the rules and procedures that govern the commission in order to ensure uniformity and transparency of procedures, fairness to the public and interested parties, and compliance with legal requirements in matters heard by the commission. The commission will be supported by the city librarian and Carpinteria Community Library ("library") staff.

(Ord. No. 756, § 2, 6-13-2022)

The commission shall appoint, following nomination and approval, a chair and vice-chair of the commission. The chair and vice-chair shall be so appointed at the first commission meeting following the start of each new two-year term. The city librarian, or his or her designee, shall serve as the staff liaison to the commission.

The term of all members of the commission shall expire pursuant to Section 2.24.010 of this code.

(Ord. No. 756, § 2, 6-13-2022)

A. Three members of the commission shall constitute a quorum. A quorum shall be determined consistent with the Carpinteria Municipal Code (CMC) provisions for city council meetings. Quorum minimums shall be expanded consistent with the CMC should the commission's membership be expanded.

B. The commission shall schedule and hold meetings as needed, with a goal of holding a minimum of one regular commission meeting each month. Commission meetings will be held at the library community room. Special meetings may be called at any time by the parks, recreation and public facilities director, as long as appropriate notice is given. If a holiday falls on a normal meeting date, the meeting will be held on the same day the following week or at the discretion of the director. Dates, times, and locations of meetings shall be posted in the usual manner in accordance with the Brown Act.

C. Compensation for commissioners shall be set by resolution of the city council.

(Ord. No. 756, § 2, 6-13-2022)

The commission shall have the duties and responsibilities specified below, acting in an advisory capacity to the board and city librarian in matters pertaining to the management, administration, operation, development, improvement and maintenance of the library, including but not limited to:

A. Assigning recommendation to the board and city librarian about the library's vision, mission and values;

B. Participating in short- and long-range library strategic planning, as well as setting goals and objectives;

C. Developing a recommendation to the board about policies and procedures necessary to provide library services;

D. Making recommendations on the delivery of high-quality library programs, facilities and equipment, activities, services and policies;

E. Submitting an annual report on the condition of the library for consideration by the board each year, pursuant to Education Code 18927, as it may be amended from time to time;

F. Receiving input from service area residents, key partners (such as Friends of the Library), and stakeholders concerning the library and making recommendations on these as needed;

G. Engaging the community in public outreach about library programs and services;

H. Ensuring that library programs and services are provided in an equitable manner through working cooperatively with the city librarian and board;

I. Providing guidance on fundraising efforts and grants sought by the city librarian on behalf of the library;

J. Reviewing the budget in order to make recommendations to the board;

K. Assisting in succession planning for new commission members (members) by identifying and motivating others to apply and serve when openings occur; and

L. Performing such other duties as may be requested from time to time by the board, or as may be required by law.

(Ord. No. 756, § 2, 6-13-2022; Ord. No. 782, § 2, 5-28-2024)