Library looks to fill eight vacant board positions

As the city looks to fill all its board, council committees and task forces for the next council term, the library board will also be recruiting eight new volunteer trustees this month. Could you be one of them?

Jamie Anderson, director and CEO of the Kawartha Lakes Library, says these trustees, or board members, play an important role.

“In a regular meeting the board will discuss the library budget. I give an overview update each meeting. As well the board gives me feedback in preparing the following year’s budget and then approves the budget before it is presented to council,” Anderson tells the Advocate.

Board members are selected to serve a four-year-term. Meetings are usually about two hours long and trustees are expected to be at least seven of them in a year.

Trustees also regularly review all library policies each term and this will also be discussed at the meetings, says Anderson.

“Sometimes there are very little changes to a policy but others will have significant changes that will alter the direction of how the library serves our community.”

According to the job description, board members should be members and users of the library. “You should be passionate about the library and your community, and be willing to advocate on behalf of both,” the description reads.

Anderson says board members set the strategic priorities for the library.

“This may be discussing things like deciding to go fine-free, which we did in 2020, looking at ways to improve service levels at our rural branches or even how the library can work with the city to help address the issues surrounding homelessness,” says the CEO.

“Typically I will present a report at each board meeting that will be discussed, based on direction given to me by the board.” 

To be a library board member you must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, be at least 18, live in Kawartha Lakes, and not be employed by the municipality or library.

Mileage expenses will be paid for attending meetings and library events.

Anderson says the most common feedback he hears from new board members is “I didn’t know the library did that?”

“They also appreciate learning more of how the library and city works. They get to see up close all the work it takes to create a community. I think the volunteer members get a sense of accomplishment, knowing that their input has a direct effect on the library.”

To fill out an application for any city position, go here.