Contact: Aimee Reeder
Communications Manager
Berkeley Public Library
510.981.6195
areeder@berkeleyca.gov
Berkeley, California (February 25, 2026) –The City of Berkeley begins accepting applications on February 25, 2026 to fill two vacancies on the five-member Board of Library Trustees (BOLT).
Candidates must be residents of Berkeley and should be public library champions, passionate about lifelong learning and community engagement. A demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion is essential.
In addition, candidates with leadership, business, management, strategic planning, marketing and/or administrative skills are encouraged to apply.
Role of Trustees
With assistance from the Library Director, Trustees formulate policy and serve as managing agents of the Library Fund. BOLT has the legal authority and responsibility to see that the Library is well-managed, and that it operates in accordance with the Berkeley City Charter (Article VII, Section 30) and Berkeley Municipal Code (Chapter 3.04). Trustees are appointed for a term of four years and must reside in Berkeley. Trustees are required to take an oath of office, file a Statement of Economic Interests, and attend in-person meetings on a regular basis.
To learn more about the Board of Library Trustees in general, review meeting minutes or listen to audio recordings of prior meetings, please visit the BOLT homepage on the Library’s website.
Application Process
Applicants must submit both the General Application and the Board of Library Trustees Supplemental Questionnaire to the City of Berkeley City Clerk by Tuesday, March 31, 2026 at 5:00pm.
Candidates will be interviewed at a public BOLT meeting on a date to be determined, tentatively May 20, 2026, and will then be submitted to City Council for a vote to appoint the Trustees’ recommended candidate during an upcoming City Council meeting.
The new Trustee’s term is anticipated to begin in September 2026 and that they will attend their first meeting as a Trustee on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.
To learn more about the City of Berkeley’s application process for Board and Commission members visit the City Clerk’s Board and Commission website.
For questions, please contact the City Clerk: commission@berkeleyca.gov, telephone (510) 981-6900.
About the Library
At Berkeley Public Library (BPL), we empower, inspire, and eliminate barriers through resources and experiences. Our vision is to evolve and respond to the changing needs of the community.
Our Values
WELCOME We wholeheartedly embrace the diversity within our community and strive to cultivate an environment where all are heard, valued, and feel safe and represented. We are dedicated to eliminating systemic barriers in access to resources and services.
JOY We foster a culture of learning, curiosity, and innovation. Our commitment is evident in our diverse collection of books, digital materials and interactive programs for all ages to explore, imagine and enjoy.
COLLABORATE We value collaboration and partnerships as catalysts for positive change. We actively seek opportunities to come together with community members to address evolving community needs, support collective action, foster innovation, and create impactful programs and initiatives.
Berkeley Public Library Strategic Focus Areas
Focus Area 1: Patron Experience & Equitable Access
Strategy: Ensure equitable access to high quality collections, programs, facilities, technology, and helpful staff.
Focus Area 2: Community-Centered Collaboration
Strategy: Foster community connections and increase public awareness.
Focus Area 3: A Dynamic Service Organization
Strategy: Enhance the quality of experience for all Library employees and take steps to continually improve our ability to meet our mission and vision.
To learn more about Berkeley Public Library programs, services, collections, hours and locations, please visit the Library’s website at http://www.berkeleypubliclibrary.org.
For questions about the Library or for press requests, please contact Aimee Reeder, Communications Manager, at areeder@berkeleyca.gov or 510.495.4175.
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