Vancouver Public Library Board
Overview
Council Liaison: Councillor Heather Deal
School Board Liaison: Trustee Mike Lombardi
Staff Contact: Chrysalyn Tolentino, Executive Assistant to the Chief Librarian, 604.331.4003.
The Library Board is appointed by Vancouver City Council in accordance with the Provincial Library Act.
Membership
The Public Library Board consists of 13 members, all appointed by City Council. Members are appointed in the following manner:
- 10 members of the general public who must be Vancouver residents
- One member of Vancouver City Council appointed annually
- Because of joint operating agreements, each year Council appoints one member nominated by the Park Board and one nominated by the School Board to the Library Board.
Members must be Vancouver residents or electors.
Duties
The Library Board is responsible for development of library policy and for expenditure of funds provided by Council for library purposes. Through the Director and the Library's administrative staff, the Board directs the operations of one of the largest public library systems in Canada.
Reappointment
No person may be appointed for more than eight consecutive years.
Meetings
The Board generally meets at 5:30 p.m. on the first Wednesday of each month at Central Branch. Each Board member is expected to attend the Board meeting and to be a member of a Standing Committee, which also meets monthly.
Time Commitment
In addition to Board (3 hours) and Committee (1-2 hours) meetings, the time commitment required of members is considerably greater. Agendas are circulated prior to each meeting and provide necessary background for the discussions. Annual orientation sessions and tours are provided for new Board members. Board and committee chairs attend an extra meeting as members of the Board's executive committee. The Board also appoints a member and an alternate to both the InterLINK Board (a consortium representing the twelve Lower Mainland Libraries) and to the Britannia Board of Management.
Residency
A Board member is required by the Library Act to be a resident or elector in the City of Vancouver.
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Minutes and Agendas
Minutes and agendas are available on the Vancouver Public Library website.
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