Board of Trustees

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Application for Library Board of Trustee

The UMFPL Board of Trustees is actively recruiting qualified residents willing to serve as an unpaid volunteer Trustee for terms beginning January 2024.  Review the position description and responsibilities here. Those interested in serving on the Library Board of Trustees should download and complete the application (depending on your browser:  click here, or right-click and choose “save link as” to save the blank form to your computer.)

The completed application can be saved to your computer or printed. Printed applications can be mailed or dropped off at the library’s information desk. Applications may also be emailed as attachments to [email protected].


About

The UMFPL Board of Trustees is formed of seven volunteer residents of Upper Moreland Township and an appointed Upper Moreland Township commissioner.

Ethics Statement for UMFPL Library Trustees

  • Trustees in the capacity of trust upon them shall observe ethical standards with absolute truth, integrity and honor.
  • Trustees must avoid situations in which personal interests might be served or financial benefits gained at the expense of library users, colleagues, or the situation.
  • It is incumbent upon any trustee to disqualify himself/herself immediately whenever the appearance of a conflict of interest exists.
  • Trustees must distinguish clearly in their actions and statements between their personal philosophies and attitudes and those of the institution, acknowledging the formal position of the board even if they personally disagree.
  • A trustee must respect the confidential nature of library business while being aware and in compliance with applicable laws governing freedom of information.

BOT position description and responsibilities


2023 Board of Trustees

Melissa Osborne has been an Upper Moreland resident since 2006. She is a licensed attorney practicing for seventeen years, currently working in Civil Defense. Melissa has been a Trustee for the Upper Moreland Free Public Library for five and a half years and is currently serving her second year as President of the Board.

Melissa’s other community involvement includes serving as the Vice-President, Pennsylvania Association for Gifted Education, Upper Moreland Chapter; serving as the Judge of Elections, in Upper Moreland, Ward 3-1; as a member of the Montgomery County and Pennsylvania Bar Associations; is an active member of the Upper Moreland Equity Alliance; serves on the Upper Moreland Board of Commissioners, Vacancy Committee and was the Former Secretary of the Upper Moreland Democratic Committee.

When not serving her community, Melissa can be found volunteering with her daughter’s softball team at the Upper Moreland Little League, or her son’s drama or musical performances through the Upper Moreland Music Patrons.

Melissa has a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice and her Law Degree from Widener University Delaware School of Law.

Moureen Wenik is the Community Program Manager for the PHACE Syndrome Community, a patient advocacy organization supporting families and individuals born with a rare disorder called PHACE syndrome. Moureen’s nonprofit management and leadership experience started at the YMCA, where she dedicated 28 years to the mission of serving the community. Her love for service translated well to the rare disorder space where she began working with patient advocacy organizations to help them find better cures and treatments through research, and support those who are affected by a rare disorder. Moureen’s passion for community continues in her volunteer role as a Youth Aid Panel member, a program through the Montgomery County District Attorney’s office working with first time juvenile offenders. She serves on the Upper Moreland Parks and Recreation Advisory Council and the Shade Tree Commission, and is a board member for the Farmstead Alliance of Upper Moreland. Moureen also volunteers with her high school alumni association, raising money for scholarships for outgoing seniors. Moureen holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Gwynedd Mercy University, and holds a certificate in nonprofit management from the Nonprofit Center at LaSalle University.

Why I serve: I believe that the library is a lifeline for all members of the community. The programs and resources available are beyond the “books on the shelf” and offers something for everyone, of every age. I serve because I want to be sure the library continues to be a pillar in the community, and that everyone continues to have access to this free and much needed resource.

Jay has been a resident of UMT for over 20 years and worked as a buyer in retail before embarking on a 35+ year career as a manufacturer's representative. He has owned his own agency for the past five years.

Why I serve: I believe a good library is a crucial part in the education of our children - not just reading and books, but exposure to the arts and the community, as well. As a long-time borrower, I decided to join the board of trustees as a way of giving back to the library and helping to secure its future.

Lisa is an educator and life-long patron of the Upper Moreland Free Public Library. She is passionate about literacy, equitable services, and free access to information and resources. Now serving in her ninth year as a library trustee, Lisa has performed the duties of secretary, vice president, and president. She has also chaired the Policy and Bylaws Committee as well as the Strategic Plan Committee.

Why I Serve: Libraries have always been a home away from home for me. I have needed the library in different ways at various life stages. As a parent and an educator, I see great value in libraries serving as the heart of a community, evolving to meet the current and future needs of the people. I originally joined the board of trustees in 2014 to give back to the community by supporting, advancing, and promoting our public library.

Megan Friedmann has called Upper Moreland home for 8 years and values the small-town atmosphere and has enjoyed putting down roots here.  She earned her BSW at Temple University in 2013 and boasts a lengthy career within the social service field, having worked in the non-profit and public sectors for 15+ years.

Why I serve:  One of my favorite quotes is "Reading gives you a place to go when you have to stay where you are" - Mason Cooley, and this was never more true during the Covid pandemic!  Having moved around a lot when I was younger, I knew everything would be OK as long as I found the local library.  Libraries are a sanctuary and truly the heart of a community. I wanted to be involved with the board to give back and ensure that UMFPL continues to enrich the life of Upper Moreland residents and visitors.

Tony is a general dentist who lives and practices in Upper Moreland Township. He attended La Salle University, Montclair State University and  Temple Dental School.   He raised three children, with his wife Karen and all his children remain in the area. Each share their parents love of public service and community.

Volunteering has always been an integral part of his life, beginning at college where he was a member of a service fraternity, extending into dental school and finally private practice. Upon graduating dental school Tony was a member of the Public Health Corps, serving those who had unmet dental needs. His philosophy is simply, “ you are either part of the problem or part of the solution”

Tony has severed on many boards including Rotary, Pheasants Forever, Philadelphia Dental Clinic Club and HealthLink Dental Clinic, where he was a founding dentist, dental director and Board Chair. He continues to practice at the clinic where the working uninsured are provided free dental care.

Why I serve: I began my love affair with libraries as a young child, who rode a bicycle to the library each day. Books were an invitation to adventures and destinations I never could have imagined. I very recently rediscovered this love through the Upper Moreland Free Public Library. I was so taken with the services and products provided by the library that I applied to become a Board of Trustee.  Today’s library is so much more than books, we have programs for every age and intellect. Truly a place for everyone and everything.

David Hakes joined the UMFPL Board of Trustees in 2019, served as Board Treasurer for 3 years and currently serves as the Finance Committee Chair. David and his wife Paulette have lived in Upper Moreland since 1993 and all four of their children attended and graduated from the Upper Moreland Township School District. David works in the Biotechnology industry and has previously served in other volunteer roles in the community, as a coach with Upper Moreland Little League and Upper Moreland Soccer Club and as a member of the School Board.

Nick Scull Moved to Willow Grove shortly after graduating from college in 1968. He began his lifelong career in teaching at Hatboro Jr. High school and retired from the Philadelphia School system in 2004.  He and his wife Anne have four children and three grandchildren. Two sons were graduates from the Upper Moreland Schools.

Nick has been a member of the Upper Moreland Historical Association, served on the Township Historical Commission, Area Planning Agency, The Tricentennial, committee, President of the Friends of Boileau (Now Farmstead Alliance) and presently on the Library Board representing The Township Commissioners, to which he was elected in 2018.


UMFPL BOT Contact Form

To speak at a regularly scheduled Board Meeting, please submit the contact form below with your intent to participate before 12:00pm on the Wednesday of each scheduled board meeting.

You may also submit questions or comments directed to the Trustees here. You may receive a reply within a week from the UMFPL executive director or board presidentSelect your subject from the list below.

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    Meeting Notice

    Upcoming Board of Trustees meetings will be held in-person
    (virtual attendance options are available)

    Library Board of Trustees meetings 2023
    2nd Wednesday of each month at  7:00pm

    January 11, 2023
    February 8
    March 8
    April 12
    May 10
    June 14
    July 12
    August 9
    September 13
    October 11
    November 8
    December 13
    January 10, 2024

    The meetings are open to the public.
    Cathy Gilmore-Clough, Executive Director
    Upper Moreland Free Public Library