Library Board Trustees & Meetings

Providing governance & leadership

The work of the board requires a balance of asking big questions, exploring possibilities, engaging in real dialogue, solving problems, and offering direction. We:

establish policies that provide the framework for library and board operations
review, authorize, and monitor short and long range plans and how they are implemented
together with the CEO, prepare an annual budget that balances library service needs of the community with available funding, and present to City Council
monitor finances and make sure the library operates on an ethical and sound financial basis
promote and advocate the value of public libraries in Burlington and beyond.
appoint the Chief Executive Officer and evaluate their performance

To represent the community and do our job well, we expect members to be well informed on Board issues, attend meetings regularly, and participate fully in Board discussions and decision-making.

Under the Public Libraries Act, the Board:

provides a comprehensive and efficient public library service that reflects the community’s needs;
employs and evaluates the ongoing performance of the Chief Executive Officer;
determines and adopts written policies to govern the operation and programs of the library;
establishes and monitors long range goals and objectives for Burlington Public Library;
understands the library’s programs and needs of the community in relation to the library;
works with the Chief Executive Officer to prepare a budget adequate to carry out the library’s goals and objectives and presents this budget to City Council;
is aware of local and other laws that affect libraries and play an active role in initiating and supporting beneficial library legislation;
adheres to the Public Libraries Act, its regulations, and legislation;
members attend all Board meetings, and committee meetings as assigned. Attends outside meetings, workshops for trustees, and community events;
makes sure accurate public records concerning finances, property, and annual reports are on file at the library and with appropriate local, provincial, or national bodies;
may interact with provincial library agencies. Reports regularly to governing officials and the general public.
promotes and advocates the value of public libraries in the Burlington community.

Thu January 27 | | via conference call

Thu February 24 | via conference call

Thu March 24 | Location: Holland Room, Central

Wed April 28 | Location: Holland Room, Central

Thu May 26 | Location: Holland Room, Central

Thu June 23 | Location: Holland Room, Central

Thu September 22 | Location: Holland Room, Central

Thu October 27 | Location: Holland Room, Central

Thu November 24 | Location: Holland Room, Central

Thu December 15 | Location: Holland Room, Central

All meetings start at 6.30pm. Members of the public are welcome to attend and watch the proceedings. For log in information to attend a teleconference meeting, please submit a Contact Us form and we'll be in touch. Items in Closed Session may be attended by Library Board members only.