Comprehensive guidance is offered on the organization, procedures, and responsibilities of public library boards. Individual chapters address the following topics: the legal context for public libraries, organizing the library board, the board and the library staff, the public library and its communities, budgeting for service, public relations, Friends of the Library, intellectual freedom, trustees and the lobbying process, associations of concern to trustees, the Alabama Public Library Service, the library board as evaluator, and the trustee orientation program. Library terms and acronyms are explained. A five-page bibliography is provided, and each chapter includes a summary. Appendices at the ends of the appropriate chapters include sample library board bylaws, elements of a library policy manual, model bylaws for Friends of the Library, American Library Association Bill of Rights and Freedom to Read Statement, a Freedom to View statement, budget and citizens request forms, annual review form for performance evaluation of the library director, a materials selection policy, rules and regulations for Alabama state aid to public libraries, and information on challenged materials, Alabama legislation related to intellectual freedom, and duties and responsibilities of the library board and librarian. (LMM)