Brookline residents have until Friday, Oct. 2, to apply for a vacant seat on the Board of Library Trustees.

The vacancy follows the resignation of Batia Bloomenthal, who was listed as a sitting trustee on the board's July 14 meeting agenda. The town's September 2026 newsletter, published by Town Administrator Chas Carey's office, featured the opening as its committee vacancy spotlight.

The Library Trustees and the Select Board will jointly appoint someone to fill the seat until the Annual Town Election in May 2027, according to the town's posting. Neither the date nor the reason for Bloomenthal's resignation has been made public.

Applicants must be registered voters in Brookline. The town asks for a cover letter and résumé sent to [email protected] with the subject line "Trustee Candidate." Applications can also be mailed to Brookline Library Trustees, 361 Washington St., Brookline, MA 02445. Only complete applications will be considered.

The town's posting also directs prospective applicants to review the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners' Trustees Handbook for details on the responsibilities of the role.

Trustees work closely with Library Director Jill Mercurio and provide oversight of the library's budget, services and policies. Under the board's bylaws, trustees have custody and management of the library and all town property related to it. They are responsible for all money the town appropriates for the library, including gifts and bequests. A quorum of seven trustees is required for any board meeting.

The Library Trustee seat is not the only volunteer opening in town. The September newsletter also lists more than 20 other open board and commission seats. Those include the Zoning Board of Appeals, Audit Committee, Transportation Board, Housing Advisory Board, Bicycle Advisory Committee, Council on Aging and Preservation Commission. Applications for those positions go to the Select Board Office at Town Hall.

No timeline has been announced for when the Library Trustees and Select Board will interview candidates or make the appointment.