Many library trustee terms began on July 1. This is an important reminder that New York State Public Officer’s Law §10 requires all public library trustees (but not association library trustees) to take and file an oath of office within 30 days of beginning their term. Public library trustees are public officers and the oath of office is required to officially undertake and perform the duties of a public library trustee. If a public library trustee does not properly complete and file an oath of office, the trustee’s position may be deemed vacant (see Public Officer’s Law §30(1)(h)).
For more information about how and why the oath of office is administered, and where to properly file an oath of office, please see the Trustee Oaths of Office on the New York State Library website.
Questions about Trustee Oaths of Office may be directed to Frank Rees, Public Library System Services Program Manager, Division of Library Development, New York State Library.
