Vancouver Public Library Board of Trustees

Terms of reference

The Provincial Library Act enables the delivery of public library service in British Columbia.

• Read the Provincial Library Act

Meeting frequency

The board of trustees meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month at the Central Library downtown.

Time commitment

In addition to board meetings (about 3 hours) and committee meetings (1 to 2 hours).

• Agendas are circulated prior to each meeting and provide background for discussion.
• Annual orientation sessions and tour are provided for new Board members.
• Board and committee chairs attend an extra meeting as members of the Board's Executive Committee.

A trustee and an alternate are appointed to the following:

• InterLINK Board, a consortium representing the 12 Lower Mainland libraries
• Britannia Board of Management

In addition to attending board meetings, trustees are expected to represent the VPL Board at a variety of community events and programs.

Learn more about the board

Membership

The Vancouver Public Library Board of Trustees consists of 13 members, representing these groups:

• 10 residents (two-year terms)
• 1 City Councillor (one-year term)
• 1 Park Board Commissioner
• 1 Vancouver School Board Trustee

All members may be reappointed, but no member may be appointed for more than eight consecutive years.

Prospective members

All members are appointed by City Council. Applicants must live in Vancouver, or be eligible to vote in a municipal election in Vancouver. 

Board of Trustees

Terms expire December 31, 2022:

• Zahra Hussein
• Rebecca Jules 
• Kevin Lowe
• Raji Mangat
• Karern Spears
• Abeer Yusuf

Terms expire December 31, 2023:

• Tim Bottomer
• Kurt Heinrich
• Melody Ma
• Harlan Pruden

Liaisons

• City Council: Councillor Christine Boyle
• Vancouver Park Board: Commissioner Stuart Mackinnon
• School Board: Trustee Barbara Parrott
• Staff: Chrysalyn Tolentino, Executive Assistant to the Chief Librarian

View upcoming agendas and past meeting minutes