Library Board

Yes. The strength of the Library Board is based on members with a variety of skill sets, governance experience, and involvement in the community of the Town of Huntsville.

Board Trustees must have the ability to guide and monitor the business aspects of the Library.

Board Trustees must also represent the community to encourage alignment of the services and products provided by the Library with the needs of the community.

Four years. The Library Board terms are aligned with the terms for Municipal Councils. Every four years there are Municipal elections in Ontario. Library Boards’ terms begin and end on the same cycle.

If a Board member resigns, a new Board member is recruited. The term for the new Board member is a shortened term that ends at the same time as the other Board members.

The Public Libraries Act, R.R.O. 1990, Regulation 976, provides the legal framework for libraries and library boards in Ontario. It is administered by the Ontario Ministry of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries.

Public libraries must also comply with several acts and regulations including the Municipal Act, the Corporations Act for Not-For-Profits, Occupational Health and Safety Act, the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, the Copyright Act, and Federal/Provincial Tax Acts. Learn about public libraries and how the Ministry supports them.

The Library Board holds 10 regular monthly meetings each year. In preparation for each meetings, Board members are expected to review the reports and materials to be discussed at the meeting. Board members are expected to stay informed about the Huntsville Public Library’s services, programs, and collections. Members must be aware of and understand trends in the library industry by reading communications issued by the Huntsville Public Library and library organizations such as the Ontario Library Association (OLA).  

Board members are encouraged to represent the Library on external organizations and committees such as the Ontario Library Boards’ Association and Ontario Library Services (OLS) committees. Time commitments vary for these committees.

On a regular basis, the Library hosts programs and community events and Board attendance is encouraged. Examples of these events include: the launch of the TD Summer Reading Club, Ontario Public Library Week, opening ceremonies for new initiatives or programs, partnership events with the Town of Huntsville, and others. These events may take place on weekdays, evenings, or weekends.

Library Board members are volunteers and are not compensated monetarily.

Library Board members are compensated for out of pocket expenses related to professional development sessions, mileage, meals, and other costs incurred while performing their duties on behalf of the Library.

The library Board’s role is to establish strategic goals for the library and to ensure the allocation of financial resources. The Board monitors the library’s progress toward its goals. This work occurs within the policy framework the Board establishes, which governs how the Library functions.

The day-to-day management of the library is the responsibility of the Chief Librarian and CEO