Library Board Seeks to Fill Vacancies

The City of Hampton is seeking to fill four vacancies on the Hampton Library Board of Trustees and has begun taking applications for the vacant seats. Board terms are for four years. 

The vacancies are the result of two resignations and two directors not renewing terms. The resignations, we’re told, were for personal reasons relating to career changes and family caregiving obligations, and had been considered before recent library happenings brought board business to the forefront. It is not uncommon for non-profit or civic boards to not be at full capacity, or in a state of flux at any given point in time. 

Jerre Grefe, Hampton City Council Ward IV representative encourages residents to apply for the positions and get involved civically. Grefe, of Hampton, is a UNI grad, local business owner, council member, chamber board, promotion and design committee member, community organizer, and familiar face at many events and happenings around town. 

Grefe feels strongly that the library and the freedoms therein need to be preserved and supported. Grefe has offered this personal note to anyone who made be considering applying for the seat:

“Libraries fill a critical role in society, they are about freedom to read, about access to information and about creating a safe place – especially in today’s political atmosphere.

Our library currently has 4 available positions on its board, it is important that citizens are aware of this opportunity to serve the community in a very meaningful way.  Applications are currently being accepted for these positions. From the applications received, the City Council fills the Library Board positions.

From my perspective as a City Council member, I will be looking for applicants with open minds and who know and are able to support the library’s mission statement. I am hoping we are able to select applicants from a versatile pool and create a balanced board of individuals able to exchange ideas and resolve conflicts in a professional manner.”

The City of Hampton will be accepting applications for the Hampton Library Board of Trustees openings until Friday, August 18, 2023 at 4:00 p.m. at city hall.

The Hampton City Council will be holding library board applicant interviews at the workshop on Monday, August 21st with potential appointments/re-appointments at the council meeting on August 24th.

Applications can be picked up at city hall or on the city website at www.hamptonia.us under the ‘documents” link or at http://www.hamptonia.us/images/document/application_for_board15112017162228.pdf

Hampton Public Library Mission Statement:

The Hampton Public Library's mission is to become the best public library possible by being mindful of the needs of the people we serve and supportive of each other's efforts so that we can provide a highly responsive service.  We strive to inform, enrich, and empower every person in our community by creating and promoting easy access to a vast array of ideas and information sources, and by supporting an informed citizenry, lifelong learning and love of reading.  The library acquires, organizes, and provides books and other relevant materials; serves our public with expert and caring assistance; and reaches out to all members of our community.  The library does this by having a highly trained and competent staff that reflect the rich diversity of our community and that work together to provide a responsive service to all users.  Appropriate technology to extend, expand, and enhance services in every neighborhood and ensure that all users have equitable access to information.  Careful stewardship of the public trust, which ensures accountability and makes the most efficient and effective use of funds, both public and private; fosters collaboration, cooperation, and co-location where possible with other agencies; and builds public/private partnerships to enhance services to our patrons.