Public Library Board

Purpose

The Library Board sets out policies and oversees the operation and programs of the Library. It also determines future goals for the library and secures the necessary funding to make those happen. The Board makes sure that the needs of the community are reflected in Library programming. It also makes sure the Library is aware of standards and Library trends.

For more information, please visit the Clarington Public Library website.

Terms of reference (Public Libraries Act, R.S.O. 1990)

The Library Board has direct responsibility to:

• Employ and evaluate a competent and qualified Chief Executive Officer, who may also be the Secretary-Treasurer of the Board, and who administers the Library
• Create link between the community and the Library
• Determine the mission, purpose and strategic ends for the Library
• Actively build relationships with the Clarington community and with the municipal council
• Write governing policies that address the broadest levels of all organizational decisions and relationship
• Provide assurance of successful organizational and Board performance
• Secure adequate funds to fulfil the Library's mission
• Fulfil legal obligations related to the Public Libraries Act

Composition

Appointment runs for the same term as Council.

Seven community members plus two Council members.

Desirable Qualifications of Board Members:

• Interest in library / community and their inter-relationship
• Available 2 to 4 hours per month
• Knowledge of the community's social and economic position
• Aptitude and interest in short and long range planning,
• Aptitude and interest in advocacy
• Aptitude to understand financial statements
• Ability to work in a political environment
• Ability to work as team member
• Previous service on volunteer boards or with community organizations

Frequency of meetings

Fourth Wednesday of each month.

Remuneration

This is a volunteer position.

Remuneration for allowable expenses, such as mileage, meals, seminars, conferences and workshops.

Committee contact

Linda Kent, CEO/Library Director
905-623-7322 ext. 2702

Minutes

• View Public Library Board minutes

History

The Public Library Board was established by Report CLD-48-03 brought about by By-law 2003-188.  As of January 1, 2020, the Public Library Board merged with the Clarington Museum and Archives Board per Report CAO-012-19 (Resolution #GG-548-19).

Documents and publications

• Library Board
• Library Strategic Plan (PDF)