The Library is a Special District

The Lassen Library District is a special district public library formed pursuant to library sections of the California Education code. The Library District provides a single service, that of a public library, to the residents of the district, Lassen County and its visitors. The boundary of the district is coterminus with that of the City of Susanville.

Upon the closure of the Lassen County Library in 1992 concerned Susanville citizens moved to establish an independent library special district.  Approval of the district formation was obtained from the Lassen County Local Agency Formation Commission on August 10, 1994 and 71.7 percent of Susanville voters approved the formation in the general election on November 8, 1994.  The ballot initiative included an annual special tax of $28 on each habitable dwelling located within the city limits of the City of Susanville to pay for the new library. 

View the official formation documents ()

As a special district the library is independent of other local governments and solely responsible for its policies and funding. To learn more about California special districts visit the California Special Districts Association Special Districts web page.

Board of Library Trustees

As an independent special district, the governance of the district is vested in an elected administrative board of library trustees. The Lassen Library District Board of Library Trustees is comprised of five uncompensated, elected members. The library trustees are responsible for setting the personnel, operations, patron and financial policies and the strategic direction of the library district.

Trustee Duties and Eligibility Requirements

Board of Trustees By-Laws

Trustees are elected to four-year terms; three trustees are elected during one election cycle and the other two trustees are elected during the next election cycle. Elections are held in even numbered years during regularly held state and local general elections. These members are elected by voters living within the district's boundaries (encompassing the city limits of Susanville). Board vacancies can be filled by resolution of the board, but the appointed trustees must seek voter approval at the end of the term for which they were appointed.

The current members of the Board of Library Trustees and their terms of service are:

The Board of Library Trustees holds regular, public monthly meetings in the library's conference room at 4 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month. Special meetings are called, as required.