The Bellingham City Council approved Mayor Kelli Linville’s recommendation on February 9, 2015 appointing Rick Osen as the newest trustee for the Bellingham Public Library.
Mr. Osen has a long history of professional library experience. Prior to his recent retirement, he served as the Interim Dean of Libraries and Assistant Dean for Library Administration and Planning for Western Washington University (WWU) Libraries. During his 35 years with WWU Libraries, he had management responsibilities for nearly every operational unit of the library, including budget planning and management, personnel management and facilities planning and management. He also served on many university and regional committees.
Osen holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Simpson College and a Bachelor of Science degree from WWU’s Huxley College.
He joins J. Robert Gordon, Rachel Myers, Marilyn Mastor and Tom Barrett on the Board of Trustees.
“Libraries bring tremendous value to our communities,” Osen said. “Public libraries nationwide are in an exciting time of transition and re-definition. I am looking forward to applying my library management experience in service to our community as a library Trustee.”
The Bellingham Public Library Board of Trustees is the five-member governing and policy-setting board for the library. The Board of Trustees is one of the City’s boards and commissions; board candidates indicate their interest in serving by applying through the Mayor’s Office. Citizen volunteers are interviewed by the board and the Mayor, and approved by the City Council. Each term is for five years.