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Commissioners pick two new library trustees after multi-round vote
Summary
After a multi-round selection process and extensive public comment, the Washoe County Commission appointed Andrea Tavener and Marcus Nesbitt to four-year terms on the Library Board of Trustees and named Commissioner Hill as the commission’s liaison to the board.
The Washoe County Board of County Commissioners on June 16 appointed Andrea Tavener and Marcus Nesbitt to fill two four-year vacancies on the Washoe County Library Board of Trustees, following multiple voting rounds and extensive public comment from community advocates and applicants.
The board began the appointment process after staff described the voting procedure for the 25 applicants and commissioners cast ranked ballots to reduce the pool. Andrea Tavener received broad support in successive rounds and, after additional ballots to break a tie, Marcus Nesbitt was the other candidate the commission advanced and approved. The appointments are for four-year terms beginning July 1, 2026, and ending June 30, 2030.
Community supporters who spoke during public comment urged the commission to prioritize trustees who would advocate for library funding, preserve a broad collection, and participate in trustee training. Maureen McElroy, a retired Washoe County library employee, told commissioners the board “needs trustees who are informed and engaged advocates” and underscored the board’s role in budgeting, strategic planning and oversight.
Several applicants and advocates also emphasized geographic and demographic representation. Andrea Tavener, one of the appointees and an applicant, addressed the commission during public comment about her background and interest in the system.
The board also voted to appoint Commissioner Hill as the commission’s liaison to the Library Board of Trustees with no set term. Commissioners described the liaison role as a bridge between the appointed trustees and the elected Board of County Commissioners.
The motion to appoint Tavener and Nesbitt passed unanimously after the multi-round voting process. Commissioners thanked all applicants and staff for a competitive and well-documented selection process.
What’s next: The newly appointed trustees will begin their terms on July 1, 2026. Commissioners said they expect the liaison to help coordinate reporting between trustees and the commission and to support trustee training and implementation of the library’s strategic priorities.
