Library Board

Key Library Board responsibilities are: 

Set the vision, mission, values, and strategic direction for the Library through strategic planning techniques, determining a strategy map to reach those goals.

Establishes policies within the framework of legislation and regulations;

Determines the goals and objectives for the library and secures adequate funds to fulfill those goals;

Understands the needs of the community in relation to the library and creates a link between the community and library services offered;

Promotes and advocates for the library in the community and to the Municipal Council;

Hires and evaluates the Library CEO; and

Oversees the budget process, with the understanding that Council has final authority and approval for the library budget, which forms part of the Town of Orangeville’s consolidated budget.

• Attending and actively participate in board meetings
• Sustaining the library as an essential community service
• Advocate the library’s role in the community
• Maintain an open dialogue with the community
• Build strong relationships with the municipal council
• Be aware of the municipal planning context
• Develop strategic partnerships with community groups and leaders.

To fulfill the above responsibilities, Orangeville Public Library requires a well-rounded Library Board with competent, experienced members. The Board should also reflect the diversity of Orangeville and the surrounding communities that it serves. The member’s job is not an easy one: it requires the ability to work towards a vision and to think in broad, future-oriented terms while maintaining a commitment to moving vision to reality. This requires understanding and discussing the philosophical aspects of library service while implementing the necessary governance measures to achieve desired services. Each member must uphold the Library's overall vision, mission, and values while acting strategically in the public’s interest.

The Orangeville Public Library Board meets 10 times per year, with a legislated minimum of 7 meetings in adherence to the Ontario Public Libraries Act.

The meetings are held every fourth Wednesday at 5 p.m.

The CEO prepares a package before the meeting and distributes it to the Board members for advance reading and review.

In addition to regular meetings, a board member may also be asked to join a subcommittee of the board in areas such as Administration and Policy Review, Advocacy and Fundraising, Finance, or another required area of focus.

The Board will also attend additional orientation and training meetings early in the term.

Public library board positions are for four years, concurrent with the Municipal Council term. 

The Orangeville Public Library seeks board members who:

• Demonstrate integrity, sound judgment, and a commitment to public service
• Are interested in literacy, learning, culture, innovation, and community development
• Can think strategically and consider long-term community needs
• Are willing to ask thoughtful questions and participate in respectful discussion
• Can work collaboratively and support collective decision-making
• Reflect the diversity of Orangeville and the communities served by the library
• Bring knowledge, skills, or lived experience in areas such as governance, finance, law, human resources, communications, education, fundraising, technology, accessibility, community development, or advocacy

Ontario Public Libraries Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. P.44

Ontario Library Board Association “Cut to the Chase: Ontario Public Library Governance at-a-glance”

Orangeville Public Library Board Policies