NHLA Constitution

ARTICLE 1 - NAME

This organization shall be known as the New Hampshire Library Association.

ARTICLE 2 - MISSION

NHLA is a professional association of library personnel, trustees, and library supporters whose purpose is:

  • To advance the interests of its members through advocacy on library issues and increasing public awareness of library service.
  • To support the professional development of its members.
  • To foster communication and encourage the exchange of ideas among its members.
  • To promote participation in the association and its sections.
  1. In support of the objective, the Association may carry on any activity permitted under applicable state and federal law, including receiving gifts, endowments, and bequests.
  2. The Association is organized exclusively for charitable and educational purposes as defined by applicable state and federal law.
  3. No part of the net earnings of the Association shall benefit or be distributed to any member or other individual. The Association shall not participate in any political campaign in support of a candidate. No substantial part of the Association's activities shall be making propaganda or other efforts to influence legislation.
  4. If the Association is dissolved, any remaining assets shall be transferred to one or more groups organized exclusively for charitable and educational purposes which are tax exempt under IRC Section 501(c)(3).

ARTICLE 3 - MEMBERS

  • Any person interested in the objectives of the Association may become a member on payment of dues.
  • Sections may be formed by members and supported as provided in the By-Laws.

ARTICLE 4 - OFFICERS

  • The officers of the Association shall be
    • a President;
    • a Vice President who is President Elect;
    • a Secretary;
    • a Treasurer;
    • an American Library Association Councilor;
    • a New England Library Association Representative;
    • and the immediate Past President
  • All officers shall be elected by ballot, and shall serve until their successors are elected take office. All are elected annually except the Treasurer, whose term of office shall be two years, and the American Library Association Councilor and New England Library Association Representative, whose term of office shall be three years. New officers shall assume their duties immediately upon the adjournment of the annual meeting in January following the election. A new American Library Association Councilor, however, will assume office at the next American Library Association meeting.
  • A majority of all votes cast shall be necessary to constitute an election.
  • Vacancies in office shall be filled until the next election by a majority vote of the remaining members of the Executive Board.

ARTICLE 5 - EXECUTIVE BOARD

  • The Executive Board shall consist of the following:
    • Voting Members
      • Officers,
      • Standing Committee Chairs,
      • Section representatives (one from each section
    • Non-voting Members
      • Newsletter Editor,
      • Web Page Coordinator ,
      • State Librarian,
      • NHLA Archivist ,
      • Ad Hoc Committee Chairs,
      • Liaisons
    • The Ad Hoc Committee Chairs, Newsletter Editor, Web Page Coordinator, State Librarian, and NHLA Archivist , Ad Hoc Committee Chairs, and Liaisons shall serve as ex-officio, non-voting members of the Executive Board.
  • Membership in the Association shall be a prerequisite for being on the Executive Board.
  • There shall be regular meetings of the Executive Board, to be established by the Board and held at such time and place as the Board shall designate.

ARTICLE 6 - MEETINGS

  • The annual meeting of the Association shall be held at such time and place as the Executive Board shall designate.
  • Special meetings of the Association membership may be held upon call of the Executive Board or upon written petition of ten members of the Association to the Executive Board. Notice of a special meeting shall specify the business to be transacted, and no business other than that stated in the notice shall be considered.
  • Notice of meetings shall be mailed communicated to all members no less than 30 days prior to the date or dates thereof.

ARTICLE 7 - AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION

Amendments may be proposed by the Executive Board or by a petition from members. A petition from members must be signed by 10 members and submitted to the secretary by a date at least 40 days before the special or annual meeting. Text of proposed amendments to the Constitution must be appended to the call for a meeting. Amendments shall be passed upon affirmative vote of two-thirds of members present at the scheduled meeting.

Updated November 2002
Posted to Web site 11/02
Updated November 2006