The Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library is accepting applications for two open board positions, with applications due Friday, Nov. 22, 2024, by 12 noon. The new board members will replace Vikas Turakhia, who is rolling off the board after serving his seven-year term, and Melissa Soto-Schwartz, who is stepping down after two years.
All perspective applicants are strongly encouraged to attend an information meeting about library board service on Monday Nov. 11 at 7 p.m. or Wednesday Nov. 20 at 7 p.m., at the Lee Road Branch, 2345 Lee Road Administration office, located on the second floor of the library.
Applicants must RSVP to Nancy Levin (216)-932-3600 ext. 1240. If there are no RSVPs the meeting will be cancelled.
“It’s a big commitment– service is seven years,” said Levin. “but the rewards are also big: a chance to make a positive, long-lasting impact on one of the greatest public service agencies in the area. Public libraries offer necessary and free services to all, and being a part of that is incredibly rewarding.”
The Cleveland Heights-University Heights Board of Education will interview candidates on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at a time to be determined. Each interview lasts roughly 15 minutes.
The following criteria are used in making an appointment to the library’s board of trustees:
Consideration will be given to a diversity of interests, a balance of age, sex, ethnic background and socioeconomic levels, geographic distribution, and experience and/or knowledge in a variety of fields.
- The board should strive to include members with: professional experience in law, education, marketing, finance/accounting and personnel; practical business experience, executive ability, management skills, plain common sense, and political know–how.
- Because of the requirements of funding and support, consideration will be given to people who are active in community affairs and have access to resources and/or affiliations with other organizations of importance to the library.
- Nominees should have an interest in the work of the public library; a commitment to its goals; a recognition of its importance as a center of information for community culture, recreation and continuing education; and the ability to work as a member of a team. They should be willing to ask questions, offer criticism and make suggestions. They should have the courage to plan creatively.
- A commitment to the concepts of intellectual freedom is essential.
Interested applicants can download an application from the Library website by filling out our online form.
Applications are due no later than noon, 12:00 p.m., on Friday, November 22, 2024, at the Library’s administration office, located on the second floor of the Lee Road branch, 2345 Lee Road in Cleveland Heights.
Applicants may also submit completed applications online at director@heightslibrary.org.