FoSL By Laws

Approved:  April 2025

ARTICLE I – Name

Section1.  The name of this organization is Friends of the Swansboro Library (referred to hereinafter as the “Friends”).

Section 2.  The headquarters of the “Friends” is located at Swansboro Branch Library, 1460 West Corbett Avenue, Swansboro, NC 28584.

ARTICLEII - Purpose

Section 1.  The purpose of this organization shall be:  to maintain a nonprofit organization to support and promote  literacy in the community through an association of persons interested in books and public libraries; to focus attention on and to encourage public interest in library services, facilities and needs; to encourage gifts of books, magazines, endowments, bequests, and programs increasing the  use of the library facilities and services, and to work with other groups to improve the cultural activities of the community.

Section 2.  It is recognized that the administration of the Swansboro Library is vested in the Onslow County Board of Commissioners and the Onslow County Board of Library Trustees. The “Friends” shall work in conjunction with the officers and staff of the library to acquaint the community with the needs of the library, and to help improve their facilities.

Section 3.  The “Friends” shall operate in full compliance with IRS Code Section 501(c)(3).

ARTICLE III -Membership

Section 1.  Membership in this organization shall be open to all persons or organizations interested in, and in sympathy with, the purposes of the “Friends” and who shall pay dues as established by Friends. The membership year shall run from January 1 to December 31.

Section2:  The yearly dues and levels of membership shall be approved by vote of the “Friends” at the annual meeting when needed.

Section3.  Each adult member (18 or older) shall be entitled to one (1) vote per issue on matters brought before the organization. Voting by proxy shall be permitted only when the proxy vote has been submitted in writing to the Secretary twenty-four (24) hours in advance of the meeting in which the vote is to be taken. When deemed necessary, voting may occur via electronic means.

Section 4.  The Swansboro Branch Manager shall be an ex-officio non-voting member.

ARTICLE IV – Officers and Committees

Section1.  The management of the “Friends” shall be vested in a Board of Officers.  The officers are: President, Vice-President, Treasurer, and Secretary.

Section 2.  The officers will serve as the planning team for the “Friends”, to determine and oversee projects and programs that will increase fundraising for the association, as well as provide public awareness about the importance of the library and of the “Friends”.

Section 3.   The term of the officers is 2 years.  In odd numbered years, elections are held for the offices of President and Treasurer.  In even numbered years, elections are held for the offices of Vice-President and Secretary.  In the early part of each year, to prepare for elections, the President shall appoint a nominating committee of three (3)from the membership. The nominating committee shall present a slate of officer candidates at least 14 days prior to the annual meeting in December. Candidates will be voted on and elected by a majority vote of those members present at the annual meeting.

Section 4.  The newly elected officers shall assume their duties on January 1st following their election.

Section 5.   If vacated, the office of President shall be filled by the Vice-President for the remaining term of the office.  A new Vice-President shall be appointed by majority vote of the officers to serve the remainder of the term of the office. If any other office is vacated prior to term expiration, the officers shall, by majority vote, appoint a replacement to serve the remainder of the term. Officers filling unexpired terms shall be eligible, subsequently, to serve a full two (2) year term as an officer. 

Section 6. The President may appoint any and all committees as needed.

Section 7.  The President is an ex-officio member of all committees, with the exception of the nominating committee.

ARTICLE V – Duties of the Officers

Section 1. The President shall: preside over all general meetings of the organization; appoint all committee chairpersons; coordinate the work of the officers and committee chairpersons; and perform other duties as may be required by these by laws or charged to him/her by the members.

Section 2.  The Vice-president shall: assist the President and preside at meetings in his/her absence.

Section 3.  The Secretary shall: record the minutes of all meetings of the “Friends”; distribute copies of the previous meeting’s minutes at each meeting for review and approval by vote; provide a complete set of minutes for each year for long-term retention.

                  Correspondence: write/post correspondence that implements all “Friends” business.

Section 4.  The Treasurer shall: be responsible for handling all monies for the “Friends”; keep appropriate and accurate accounts of receipts and expenditures; make disbursements as authorized by the membership; present a monthly financial statement at meetings of the membership; submit a budget proposal for the coming year at the annual year end meeting, and present an annual financial statement for the prior year at the first meeting of each calendar year.

Section 5.  Officers shall deliver to their successors all official material pertaining to the positions.

ARTICLE VI – Meetings

Section 1.  This organization’s annual meeting shall be the general meeting in December for the purpose of election of officers, the receiving of various reports, and the enactment of other business.

Section 2.  Additional general membership meetings shall be scheduled as recommended by the officers. When necessary, meetings and voting may occur via electronic means. A print record of the vote will become part of the meeting minutes and archived.

Section 3.  The officers shall meet at least twice a year, more if deemed necessary, with time and date to be agreed to by the officers.  The library director and/or other staff members will be invited to participate on a non-voting basis.

ARTICLE VII - Funds

Section 1.  The fiscal year of this organization shall begin on January 1st of each year and end on December 31st of the same year.

Section 2.  Funds not already included in the budget, and less than $500, may be disbursed upon approval of the officers.

Section 3. Prior to the annual meeting, the President shall appoint an auditor who is not an officer to audit the treasurer’s records.  The audit will take place in the first quarter of the new year.

ARTICLE  VIII – Authority

Section 1.  These bylaws, with any approved amendments thereto, shall be the binding authority of the “Friends”.

Section 2. Parliamentary authority shall be Robert’s Rules of Order, as revised, when not in conflict with these by laws or with the laws of the State of North Carolina.

Section 3.  Contact information in the Membership Roster shall be used only as permitted by the officers of the “Friends”.

ARTICLE IX –Amendments to By Laws

These by laws may be amended, in whole or in part, by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the members present at a meeting of the “Friends”. Notice of intention and a summary of the proposed amendment/changes must be sent to the members at least two (2) weeks prior to the meeting at which the amendment is to be voted upon.   Amendments and/or changes to these by laws, voted upon, shall be dated and attached.

ARTICLE X- Dissolution

Section 5.In the event of  the dissolution of the Friends of Swansboro Library, residual assets of the organization shall be transferred to one or more nonprofit organizations that are recognized under Sections 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

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These By Laws have been updated and revised by the officers of the “Friends” and submitted for review and vote at the April 11, 2025 meeting of the general membership.

Motion to approve the By Laws as they stand:  Franco Pagnucci

Motion seconded:                                               Dave Brown

Friends of the Swansboro Library By Laws approved:  April11, 2025

            Paula C. Patselas, President                            Judith Fitzpatrick, Vice President

            Jay Whelan, Treasurer                                     Deborah H. Ruzicka, Secretary

* Any amendments to these By Laws should be approved by a vote and attached to this document.