January 17, 2025 | Agenda | Minutes |
March 14, 2025 | Agenda | Minutes |
April 4, 2025 | Agenda | Minutes |
May 2, 2025 | Agenda | Minutes |
June 6, 2025 | Agenda | Minutes |
July 4, 2025 | Agenda | Minutes |
September 5, 2025 | Agenda | Minutes |
October 3, 2025 | Agenda | Minutes |
November 7, 2025 | Agenda | Minutes |
The Huntsville Public Library is governed by a volunteer Board currently comprised of six citizens and one Councillor appointed by the Town of Huntsville Municipal Council.
The Ontario Public Library Guidelines Program was established to recognize excellence in library service. The Huntsville Public Library has been accredited under the Ontario Public Library Guidelines Program since December 2014.
What we do

Advocate
- Advocate the Library's role in the community
- Report regularly to local/provincial government bodies and the public
- Stay informed of trends and legislation affecting public libraries
- Build community pride in the Library
- Help establish the Library as an essential community service

Collaborate
- Assist Chief Librarian and CEO with preparing a budget that fits the Library’s goals and objectives
- Attend Board and Committee meetings
- Assist in maintaining an open dialogue with the community
- Build strong relationships with municipal council

Plan
- Establish policies
- Appoint Chief Librarian and CEO
- Determine strategic goals and objectives
- Develop strategic partnerships with community groups and leaders
- Determine community needs
- Being aware of the municipal planning context
Vision, mission & values
Vision: A vital centre to collaborate, connect and explore the world in which we live.
Mission: To provide accessible services, programs, collections and spaces designed to inspire and enrich the community.
Values:
- Intellectual freedom
- Equitable access
- Sustainability
- Respect
- Innovation
- Accountability
- Leadership
- Community
- Life long learning
- Creativity
Board Meetings
- The Library Board meets on the first Friday of the month at 9:00 am
- The Board Chair may call special meetings
- Board meetings are held in person at the library, unless otherwise noted
- Please view the for past and upcoming meeting agendas and minutes
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Jul 04
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Sep 05
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Oct 03
Agendas and Minutes
Join the Board
All public libraries in Ontario are required by the Ontario Public Libraries Act to be governed by a board including representatives from the community. As a Board Member, you serve as a community representative, library advocate and supporter.
Board members must be 18 years of age or older, a Canadian citizen, and a resident of the Town of Huntsville, but must not be employed by the Huntsville Public Library or the Municipality.
We are currently not accepting applications for Library Board members.
Frequently asked questions
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.
Where can I find information about public libraries and library boards?
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.
What is the time commitment for Board members?
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.
Are Board members compensated?
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.
Is the Board involved in the day-to-day management 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