Board Trustee

Help guide the future of one of BC’s busiest libraries and become a West Vancouver Memorial Library Board Trustee!   

The West Vancouver Memorial Library Board (WVML) governs West Vancouver’s beloved and award-winning library service.  Our library supports people through a lifetime of learning and exploration, social connection, and well-being.  Board members set strategic direction for the library and its services, ensuring its good governance and continued relevance to community members in a changing world. 

Under the Library Act, all Board members must be residents of West Vancouver.  Ideally, Board membership will reflect the diversity of our community.  Professional experience in fields such as law, accounting, and administration of education, government, or not-for-profit services are particularly helpful, but a variety of lived experience is also important.  Applicants who bring a wide array of connections across the community are also highly desirable, as this assists us in understanding the needs of residents and partner agencies.  Above all, an appreciation of libraries and the equitable opportunities they bring for learning and engagement are essential. 

West Vancouver residents interested in serving as a Trustee should express their interest no later than September 30 for the upcoming two year term. 

To find out more and apply, visit wvml.ca/board.  

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES  

Governance, Oversight, and Planning  

• Provide leadership in Board and community affairs  
• Understand the Library Act of BC, which governs the establishment and operations of libraries within the province, and defines the role and status of the Library Board  
• Understand, enforce and, when necessary, update the Board policies of the WVML  
• Guide strategic planning for the Library and goal-setting for the Director  
• Develop and approve the Library’s budget for submission to Council and monitor ongoing fiscal performance 
• Exercise legal responsibilities as a Board member  
• Evaluate performance of the Board and Director  
• Seek opportunities for continuous improvement of Board knowledge and effectiveness  
• Hold fellow Board members and the Director accountable to commitments  
• Comply with Library Board governance policies  
• Observe parliamentary procedures in Board meetings. Board meetings are conducted using Roberts’ Rules of Order  
• Act with integrity in all matters relating to the Library and community  
• Exercise loyalty and confidentiality as a Board member and support decisions made by the Board  

Learning and Knowledge  

• Demonstrate the knowledge, experience or potential to effectively contribute to key areas of Board involvement, such as: governance and policy, strategic planning, finance, facility and technology infrastructure, advocacy  
• Understanding of and commitment to intellectual freedom, equity, and the mission, vision, and values of the library 
• Interest in Library programs and services 
• Maintain awareness of issues impacting literacy, public libraries in B.C., and the WV Memorial Library  
• Participate in Board orientation and training including TOP (Trustee Orientation Program) provided by the BCLTA  

Personnel  

• Treat colleagues and Library staff with respect and thoughtfulness  
• Participate objectively, transparently and fairly in performance reviews of the Director  
• Seek and evaluate new candidates for Board Trustee positions, when required  

Participation  

• Prepare for monthly Board meetings in advance  
• Attend regularly scheduled Board meetings  
• Participate fully, question openly, deliberate thoughtfully  
• Serve on standing committees and participate in ad hoc committees or task groups as required  
• Support Library events, including fundraising, through active participation  
• Participate in Board workshops  

Advocacy  

• Secure financial resources to realize the WV Memorial Library’s mission and strategic initiatives plan through building relationships with Council, stakeholders and the community  
• Attend Council meetings in support of the Library’s agenda  
• Advocate for the Library in appropriate public and private contexts 

The West Vancouver Memorial Library is governed by the B.C. Library Act and managed by the West Vancouver Memorial Library Board. The West Vancouver Memorial Library Board consists of 13 voting Trustees, including one representative from Council. Trustees are appointed by Municipal Council in December of each year. A Trustee’s term of office is two years to a maximum of eight consecutive years. The Council representative is appointed to a one‐year term. The Director of Library Services is ex-officio Secretary to the Board.