Friends of the Mount Pleasant Free Public Library Association, Inc
BYLAWS
Article I
Name
The name of this organization shall be Friends of the Mount Pleasant Free Public Library (FMPFPL)
Article II
Purpose
Section 1
The purpose of the FMPFPL shall be to support the Board and staff of the Mount Pleasant Free Public Library through the efforts of volunteer members. These efforts shall be directed toward activities such as, but not limited to, the following: expanded programs, increased community involvement, development of information publications, fund raising, public relations, equipment donations, and recognition events.
Article III
Charitable Status
Section 1
Said unincorporated association is organized exclusively for charitable and educational purposes, including the making of distributions to the Mount Pleasant Free Public Library that qualifies as an exempt organization under section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future federal tax code.
Section 2
No part of the net earnings of the organization shall inure to the benefit of, or be distributable to, its members, officers or other private persons, as well as any or other organizations. No substantial part of the activities of the organization shall be the carrying on of propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation, and the organization shall not participate in, or intervene in (including the publishing or distribution of statements) any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office.
Section 3
Not withstanding any other provisions of these Articles, the corporation shall not carry on any other activities not permitted to be carried on (a.) by a corporation exempt from Federal income tax under section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Revenue Law) or (b) by a corporation contributions to which our deductible under section 170 (c) (2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue Law). FMPFPL shall join PCBL as an affiliate member utilizing the IRS 501 (c) (3) umbrella tax exemption.
Article IV
Membership
Section 1
Any individual, organization, business or industry interested in the purpose of the FMPFPL may become a member.
Section 2
Membership in the FMPFPL shall be at one of the following levels of support:
- Individual – Entitles an individual to a single vote and eligibility as a candidate for an officer position.
- Family – All members of a family are members and all are eligible for an officer position. The family has one vote.
Article V
Officers
Section 1
The elective officers shall be President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer.
Section 2
The President shall conduct all meetings of the Executive Committee and the membership. The President shall make and recommend appointments as directed in the following sections. The President shall carry out other duties normally associated with such office. The President is an ex-officio member of all committees.
Section 3
The Secretary shall keep a record of the minutes of all meetings associated with the FMPFPL and shall issue reports at FRIENDS regular meetings.
The Treasurer shall manage disbursement, receipt and maintenance of all funds.
The Vice- President will act in lieu when the President is not available.
Article VI
Membership Responsibilities and Dues
Section 1
The holders of all types of memberships shall be entitled to one vote per membership at all regular and special general membership meetings of the FMPFPL.
Section 2
Membership in the FMPFPL shall be terminated by any of the following:
- Death
- Resignation
- Any member can be removed with a 2/3 majority vote.
Article VII
Funds
Section 1
All funds shall be invested in the name of, or deposited to the account of, the Friends of the Mount Pleasant Free Public Library/ FMPFPL and shall be disbursed by any two officers. Two Signatures shall be required on all checks for disbursement of funds. All officers’ names shall be placed on the bank account.
Section 2
The President or the Treasurer may reimburse expenditures, without prior approval of $50 or less.
Section 3
All funds received must be forwarded to the Treasurer for deposit.
Article VIII
General Membership Meetings
Section 1
Meetings shall be held monthly for the purpose of receiving reports and to transact business. As parliamentary procedure the FMPFPL may follow the Robert’s Rules of Order.
Section 2
In order to conduct business at any membership meeting a quorum of at least twenty-five percent (25%) of the members must be present. Included in the quorum shall be at least one officer.
Section 3
A special meeting of the membership may be called at any time by the President, or by petition signed by twenty-five percent (25%) of the membership. Notice of the purpose, time, and place for a special meeting shall be given by the Secretary to every member not less than seven (7) days before the meeting.
Article IX
Election of Officers
The Officers shall be elected at the October meeting of the FMPFPL every two years. A simple majority of the quorum present shall be necessary for election.
Letters of personal Intent to place a name on the ballot may be accepted at the August meeting from any FMPFPL member. Nominations shall be made by any FMPFPL member in the month of September and prior to the election provided the consent of the nominee(s) has been secured. Nominations may be made from the floor at the October meeting no later than 15 minutes prior to the start of the meeting provided the consent of the nominee has been secured.
Section 3
Terms of officers shall begin at the close of the October meeting during which they are elected.
Section 4
Officers shall hold office for two years, or until successors have been elected. No officer shall hold the same office for more than two full consecutive terms. Election of the offices of Vice President and Treasurer will be held on odd years. Election of offices of President and Secretary will be held on even years.
Article X
Special Committees
Section 1
From time to time issues may arise that require special committees. The President may appoint such committees for stated purposes and for finite time periods.
Section 2
No special committee or member thereof shall have authority to make any contract, or to incur any indebtedness, obligation or liability in the name of, or in behalf of the FMPFPL without the approval of the members.
Article XI
Amendments
Section 1
These by-laws may be amended at any regular or special meeting by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the members present and voting, one of whom is an officer, and providing the amendment has been submitted to the FMPFPL members at a previous meeting or has been mailed to each member at least seven (7) days before the meeting at which voting is to take place.
Article XII
Fiscal Year
Section 1
The fiscal year shall run from January 1 through December 31.
Article XIII
Dissolution
Section 1
Upon the dissolution of the organization, assets shall be distributed for one or more exempt purposes within the meaning of section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future Federal tax code, or shall be distributed to the federal government, or to a state or local government, for the public purpose. Any such assets not disposed of shall be disposed of by the Court of Common Pleas of the country in which the principal office of the organization is then located, exclusively for such purposes or to such organization or organizations as Court shall determine, which are organized and operated exclusively for such purposes.