Library Board Members help guide library services and promote the library as an essential community resource. Applicants must be Canadian citizens, residents of Champlain Township, at least 18 years of age, and bilingual in French and English.
The Champlain Township Public Library Board oversees the public library and works to provide efficient, bilingual library services that reflect the needs of the community. The Library’s mission is to provide access to information, literature and ideas that encourage imagination and learning.
The Library Board is responsible for the overall governance of the Library. Its key responsibilities include:
Establishing policies, goals and objectives for the Library.
Understanding and responding to the community’s library needs.
Securing adequate funding and approving the Library’s budget for presentation to Council.
Establishing Board meeting procedures and ensuring accurate minutes are kept.
Appointing, evaluating and setting the compensation of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
Working with the CEO to support the effective operation of the Library and achieve its goals
The Champlain Township Public Library Board meets monthly from January to June and September to November at the Champlain Township municipal offices. Special meetings may also be called by the Chair or any two Board members when required.
Public Meetings
Board meetings are open to the public, except when the Board is permitted to meet in a closed session to discuss confidential matters. When a closed session is required, the Board must approve a motion to enter the closed session and return to the public session once the confidential discussion is complete.
Inaugural Meeting
At the beginning of each new term, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) calls the inaugural meeting once the Board appointments have been confirmed. The election of the Chair is then conducted, and the Chair oversees the appointment of committee members.
Regular attendance is important to ensure the Library Board can carry out its business effectively. Members who cannot attend a meeting must notify the Secretary in advance. If a member misses two consecutive meetings, the Board will review the circumstances and decide whether the member may continue or whether the seat should be declared vacant and reported to Council. If a member misses two consecutive meetings, the Board will review the circumstances and decide whether the member may continue or whether the seat should be declared vacant and reported to Council.
The Chairperson provides leadership to the Library Board, ensures meetings and Board business are conducted properly, and serves as an official representative of the Library. The Chairperson presides over the Board meetings, serves as an ex-officio member of Board committees, acts as an authorized signing officer, and represents the Board as required.
The Chairperson does not have the authority to commit the Board to any action without the Board’s approval. The Chairperson is elected at the inaugural meeting for a four-year term.
The Champlain Township Public Library Board consists of at least four and no more than seven members, plus the Mayor or another member of Champlain Township Council. A majority of Board members must be present for the Board to conduct business.
If quorum is not reached within 30 minutes of the scheduled start time, the meeting will be adjourned. If the Secretary is advised in advance that a majority of members will be absent, the meeting will be cancelled, and all Board members will be notified.
