Constitution of the Wooster Free Library Association

April, 1897

Article I. Name

The name of this association shall be the Wooster Free Library Association.

Article II. Object

The object of this association is to furnish abundant free reading of a wholesome character to the people of Wooster by establishing and maintaining a free library and reading room.

Article III. Members

Any person may become a members of this association by signing the constitution and paying a fee of one dollar $1.00. In addition to this fee, after the first year, an annual fee of $1.00 one dollar is required of all members. A member failing to pay this fee forfeits membership within one month after notification by the secretary that the fee is due.

Article IV. Government

The government of the association, the management of the library and reading room, and the custody of all money and property belonging thereto, shall be rested in a board of nine trustees, to be elected annually by the members, and with power to fill any vacancies in their own number.

Article V. Meetings

There shall be an annual meeting of the members for the election of the Trustees, to receive the annual report of the trustees, and for the transaction of any other needful business, on the first Monday in January. Special meetings may be called by the trustees at their discretion, our notice of the annual meeting of the association, and also of any special meetings of the association called by the trustees, specifying time place and object of meeting shall be given by the secretary to each member. There shall be meetings of trustees for the transaction of the business, and discussion of the interest of the association at intervals not exceeding one month, at times and places to be by themselves determined.

Article VI. Officers

The Officers of the association shall be a President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer, who shall be elected annually by the trustees from the members of the association. These Officers shall serve until their successors are elected, and shall perform the duties and be rested with the authorities ordinarily belonging to their respective offices subject to the direction of the trustees. These officers if not elected trustees shall be ex officio members of the board of trustees.

Article VII. Standing Committees

There shall be two standing committees (1) on ways and means, consisting of three members, (2) an library and reading room, consisting of five members. These committees shall be appointed by the president, as soon as practicable after his election subject to the approval of the trustees at their next meeting. The action of these standing committees, as well as of all Officers and special committees, shall be reported as soon as possible to the trustees and regain their ratification. No financial obligation shall be incurred nor expenditures made without the authorization of the trustees. It shall be the duty of the committee on ways and means to obtain the requisite funds for supporting the library and reading room. It shall be the duty of the committee on library and reading room subject to the trustees, to select all reading matter, engage librarian and other employees, make all needful purchases and attend to all other matters pertaining to the library and reading room which may arise from time to time.

Article VIII. Amendment

This constitution may be amended by a two thirds vote of the members at any regular or called meeting of the association, provided due notice of such proposed amendment has bee previously given to the members of the association.