FoSL By Laws

Last Update:  July 2023

BY LAWS

OF

 FRIENDS OF THE SWANSBORO LIBRARY

ARTICLE I

Name

Section 1. The name of this organization is Friends of the Swansboro Library (referred to hereinafter as "Friends").

ARTICLE II

Purpose

Section 1. The purpose of this organization shall be to support and sustain literacy in the community through an association of persons interested in books and libraries; to focus attention on and to stimulate public interest in library services, facilities and needs; to stimulate gifts of books, magazines, endowments, bequests, and programs to encourage increased use of the library facilities and services.

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.

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 Friends and who shall pay dues as established by Friends. The membership year shall run from January 1 to December 31.

Section 2. 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 3. The Swansboro Branch Manager shall be an ex-officio non-voting member.

ARTICLE IV

Officers and Committees

Section 1. The officers of the corporation shall be President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer. The offices of secretary and treasurer may be combined.

Section 2. In September of odd-numbered years, the President shall appoint a nominating committee of three (3) from the membership. The following month the nominating committee shall present a slate of officer candidates. During the last meeting of the calendar year in odd-numbered years, new officers shall be elected from and by the membership. Officers are elected for a two (2) year term.

Section 3. The officers shall assume their duties on January1st following their election.

Section 4. 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 or standing committee chair 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 full two (2)year terms as an officer. 

Section 5. The Standing Committees shall be as follows: History, Events, Membership, and Public/Media Affairs.

Section 6. The President may appoint special ad hoc committees when necessary.

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

ARTICLE V

Duties of Officers and Standing Committees

Section 1. The President shall: preside over all 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 bylaws 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 organization and write/post correspondence that implements Friends business.

Section 4. The Treasurer shall: keep an accurate account of receipts and expenditures; make disbursements as authorized by the membership; present a monthly financial statement at meetings of the membership 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.

Section 6. Standing Committee Chairs shall obtain committee members needed to execute their Committees’ duties, preside at their meetings, and oversee/supervise their activities. The responsibilities of the Committees are:

A. History - Maintain a record of Friends events and significant changes in the organization.

B. Events - Plan, advertise, and implement events intended to enhance the literacy of the Swansboro community.  Plan, advertise, and implement special events intended to raise funds to support Friends activities and goals.

C. Membership - Maintain a record of current membership and contact information. Provide orientation to new members.

D. Public/Media Affairs – Promote, market, and communicate Friends activities in support of literacy and libraries.

ARTICLE VI

Meetings

Section 1. This organization’s annual meeting shall be the last meeting of the calendar year for the purpose of election of officers in odd-numbered years, the receiving of various reports, and the enactment of other business. In odd-numbered years, a written notice that includes recommendations from the nominating committee shall be sent to each member fourteen (14) days in advance of the annual meeting.

Section 2. Additional meetings shall be scheduled as recommended by the officers. When deemed appropriate, meetings may occur via electronic means.

Section 3. A special meeting may be held as directed by the President, provided that the membership is notified by mail.  A special meeting may be held by petition of at least twenty percent (20%) of the membership.

ARTICLE VII

Funds

Section 1. The officers shall determine the annual dues and other endowment requests.

Section 2. The fiscal year of this organization shall begin on January 1st of each year and end on December 31st of the same year.

Section 3. No funds shall be disbursed without approval of a majority of members at the meeting.

Section 4. The President shall appoint an auditor who is not an officer to audit the treasurer’s records prior to the annual meeting.

Section 5. In the event of 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© (3)and 170© (2) of the Internal Revenue Code.

ARTICLE VIII

Authority

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

Section 2. Parliamentary authority shall be Robert’s Rules of Order, as revised, when not in conflict with these bylaws 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 Executive Board (i.e., Officers).

ARTICLE IX

Amendments

These bylaws may be amended at any meeting of the general membership by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the members present. The proposed amendment must be sent to the members at least two (2)weeks prior to the meeting at which the amendment is to be voted upon.