Library Board of Trustees

The civic engagement of our many volunteer members of City boards and committees are essential to our high quality of life in Vestavia Hills. We are grateful for the great contribution of service these volunteers make to our community. For more information about boards and committees, call 205.978.0100 or email administration@vhal.org.

Library in the Forest Board of Trustees (BOT) members serve a role in determining the mission of the library, setting the policy that governs the library, hiring and evaluating a library director and overseeing the general management of the library.

5 members; 4-year terms
Ordinance 98
Council appointed
Typically meets monthly on the 4th Tuesday at 4pm
Library in the Forest, 1221 Montgomery Highway, Vestavia Hills, AL 35216

Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest website

Chair
April Jackson-MacLennan | Exp. 12/31/2026

Vice Chair
Susan Swagler | Exp. 12/31/2026

Members
Kevin Archer | Exp. 12/31/2024 (fulfilling unexpired term of Greg Jones)
Lawrence Cochran | Exp. 12/31/2025
Christopher Gerety | Exp. 12/31/2027

Ex Officio / Council Liaison
Mayor Ashley C. Curry | acurry@vhal.org | Exp. 10/31/2025

Board Emeritus
Dr. Jimmy Bartlett

Library Director
Taneisha Tucker | taneisha.tucker@vestavialibrary.org


Desired qualifications for Board of Trustees members include:

  • Community relations, marketing, legal or fundraising expertise
  • Interest in the library and its services
  • Knowledge of the library and community, their needs and diversity
  • Be active with groups or organizations within the community
  • Have a general understanding of the social and economic conditions of the City.
  • Support for the library’s contemporary mission and the ability to communicate it to the public.
  • Ability to attend all board meetings and participate appropriately, including preparing for board meetings by reading board minutes, board packets and other materials sent out before the board meeting and serving on committees as assigned by the board chair.
  • Awareness and understanding of the library’s role in the community as the center for education, enrichment, empowerment and entertainment.
  • Willingness to lend expertise and leadership to the board and devote up to 10 hours per month for the purpose of carrying out the fiduciary duties of trusteeship; must be able to regularly attend meetings of the Board, represent the Library at meetings and public functions, serve as an advocate for Library services for the community, and have excellent communication skills and ability to relate to the public.
  • Skill in establishing policies and long‐term goals for the successful and efficient operation of the Library and willingness to review policies and by‐laws on an annual basis, updating as needed.
  • Remain informed about the services offered by the library and stay abreast of current library trends and practices, including reading the literature, talking to staff and trustees from other libraries and attending professional meetings as needed.
  • Ability to think and plan creatively, to question objectively, and to effectively support the strategic plan of the library.
  • Sound judgment, a sense of fiscal responsibility and community awareness. Understand and promote library tenets.
  • Duties may include regularly reviewing financial reports with the Director and fellow Trustees and representing the library at budget hearings.
  • An open mind, intellectual curiosity, and respect for the opinions of others; ability to collaborate and work in a cooperative manner with fellow board members, the library director and staff, City government and the public.
  • Although not required, past service as a board member or similar position having fiduciary responsibilities is highly desirable.