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.
Make a difference in your community
A Board Members must be 18 years of age, a Canadian citizen, and a resident of Halton Hills, but must not be employed by the Halton Hills Public Library or the Municipality.
Library Board Member applications are now closed. For additional Halton Hills Advisory Committee opportunities, please visit the Town of Halton Hills website.
What we do
| Advocate |
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| Collaborate |
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| Plan |
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What you bring
| Library Board members are: |
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| Library Board members bring experience, expertise and enthusiasm in the following areas: |
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Frequently asked questions
| Are particular skills required? |
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Yes. The strength of the Library Board is based on having Board Trustees with a variety of skill sets; governance experience and involvement in the community of Halton Hills. 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. |
| How long is the term of a Library Board member? |
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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 that of the other Board members. |
| Where can I get more information about public libraries and library boards? |
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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. These include 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. Visit Ontario.ca to learn about public libraries and the ministry’s role in supporting them. |
| What is the time commitment to be a Board member? |
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The Library Board holds 10 regular monthly meetings each year. In preparation for the 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 Halton Hills 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 Halton Hills 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 Halton Hills, and others. These events take place on weekdays, evenings, weekends. |
| Is there any compensation? |
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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. |
| Does the Library Board deal with day-to-day management of the library? |
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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, and which governs how the Library functions. The day-to-day management of the Library is the responsibility of the Chief Librarian & CEO. |
| Further questions? |
| We encourage you to contact the Library Board Chair through the Chief Librarian & CEO for more information. |