Running For Riverdale PLD Board of Trustees Office
Library trustees play a vital role as advocates for libraries. They work to establish new libraries, allocate resources, and enhance the public perception of libraries. They serve on a voluntary basis, either through election or appointment for a specific term, and help guide the finances and policies of the institution. Trustees are responsible for shaping the library’s mission, establishing policies, appointing a library director, and overseeing general management.
Terms
RPLD Trustees are elected every 2 years at the regular election scheduled for trustees of public library districts under the Election Code for 6-year terms. Seven trustees make up the board.
The term begins the third Monday of the month (May 19, 2025) following the regular election of trustees (April 1, 2025).
Within 74 days after their election or appointment, the incumbents and new trustees shall take their oath of office and meet for orientation and to organize the board.
Currently there are 3 positions open for election.
Qualifications
To be a library trustee, you must be a registered voter in the library district and have lived in the district for at least one year when filing for nomination.
It is also important to note that anyone with outstanding debts to the library district, such as unpaid taxes, is not able to serve as a library trustee. Additionally, individuals with a prior conviction for serious offenses such as bribery, perjury, or any felony in any United States court are not eligible to serve as library trustees.
Important Dates To Remember
- August 20, 2024: First day to circulate petitions for election
- November 12, 2024: First day to file nomination papers
- November 18, 2024: Last day to file nomination papers
- January 23, 2024: Last day for certification for candidates (certified to the County Clerk) – certification is made by the Library Director serving as the “Local Election Official”
- Tuesday, April 1, 2025: Consolidated Election
Requirements
Each candidate must gather signatures on a petition form from eligible voters in the district (Village of Riverdale). This number must be at least 2% of the votes cast in the last election for library trustees or (50), whichever is fewer.
Candidates must also complete a Statement of Candidacy form, Statement of Economic Interest, and Loyalty Oath (optional)
All petition forms must be notarized along with the Statement of Candidacy form and Loyalty Oath.
NOTE: The Statement of Economic Interest form must be stamped and filed at the nearest Cook County Clerk’s office.
Once completed, please submit your nomination papers to the Library Director at 208 W 144th St., Riverdale, IL 60827.
A receipt for candidate filing will be provided acknowledging the submission.
Resources & Forms
Information for Public Library District Board seats can be found on page 46 of the Candidate’s Guide. Additionally, page 22 of the Candidate’s Guide contains information about obtaining a receipt for filing the required Statement of Economic Interest.
Nomination Papers:
- Petitions: Nonpartisan (SBE Form P-4)
- Statement of Candidacy: Nonpartisan (SBE Form P-1A)
- Loyalty Oath (optional): All candidates (SBE Form P-1C)
- Statement of Economic Interests: Filed with the County Clerk’s office
- Fair Campaigns Practices Act (voluntary): Filed with the County Clerk of the State Board of Elections
- Receipt of Candidate Filing
If applicable Campaign Disclosure reports must be filed either on paper or electronically with the State Board of Elections at:
2329 S. MacArthur Blvd.
Springfield, IL 62704
OR
69 W. Washington St.
Pedway LL-08, Chicago, IL 60602.