Richmond Hill Library Board Changes Based on Composition By-law   

RICHMOND HILL – At a Special Council Meeting held on August 12, 2019, Richmond Hill Council voted to confirm the citizen members who are appointed to the Richmond Hill Public Library Board for the 2018-2022 term in accordance with the Library Board Composition By-law (2001). The original appointments made by Council on February 25, 2019 were contrary to the requirements of that By-law and are therefore not valid.

Individuals whose previous citizen appointments to the Board were not valid have been notified by mail. Richmond Hill wishes to thank those volunteers for their willingness to serve.

The Library Board Composition By-law (2001) requires that the appointments of some citizen members of the Library Board be based on recommendations by the York Region Board of Education and the York Catholic District School Board. Requests for a recommended appointee have been submitted to each of the two School Boards. All appointees to the Library Board  must be a Richmond Hill resident, a Canadian citizen, at least 18 years old and not employed by Richmond Hill or the Richmond Hill Public Library.

Following receipt of the School Board recommendations, Council will appoint new members of the Richmond Hill Public Library Board at its September 18, 2019 meeting or as soon thereafter as the City Clerk considers appropriate.

The Library Board Composition By-law (2001) also requires that no more than four and no less than three Members of Council be appointed to the Library Board. Member of Council appointed to the Library Board for the 2018-2022 term are Ward 1 Councillor Greg Beros, Ward 2 Councillor Tom Muench, Deputy Mayor Joe DiPaola and Deputy Mayor Carmine Perrelli.

Quick Facts

• Ontario’s Public Libraries Act (PLA) is the key piece of legislation governing Ontario’s public libraries. Under the PLA, public libraries in Ontario must be operated under the management and control of a public library board. The board has the authority to formulate policies concerning the operations and services of the public library.
• Under the PLA, all members of a public library board are to be appointed by the municipal council only, and any vacancies that may arise can be filled by the municipal council only.
• Once established by a municipal by-law, a public library board is responsible for the operation of its library system. Boards and municipalities work in cooperation toward common goals.
• The Richmond Hill Public Library provides exceptional service to the community that is highly valued by residents.

For more information, please contact:

• Stephen M.A. Huycke, Director, Legislative Services and City Clerk, stephen.huycke@richmondhill.ca, 905-771-2529
• Meeta Gandhi, Director, Strategic Initiatives and Communication Services, meeta.gandhi@richmondhill.ca, 905-747-6311