Membership requirements
The board consists of nine members as determined by the City Council. Each member serves a three-year term. Terms are staggered for continuity. There is a consecutive three-term limit. Members do not receive monetary compensation.
Since the cooperative library system serves Rice County residents, as well as those who live within the city limits, state law allows for up to four members of the board to be Rice County residents. Dakota County residents, unless living within the Northfield city limits, are not eligible for the board, as they are served by a different library system.
The mayor recommends applicants to the City Council based on their interest in maintaining a good public library for the use of citizens of Northfield, along with willingness to serve and background.