Board Orientation Information

Welcome to the Blue Mountains Public Library Board!

This page has been created for members of the 2027–2031 Blue Mountains Public Library Board, appointed in December 2026. It brings together key information, legislation, background materials, and resources to support you in your role as a Board member.

Community members are also welcome to explore this page. The legislation and reference materials provided here are the same resources that inform the Board’s work and decision-making.

Meetings of the Board

First Board Meeting

The first meeting of the 2027–2031 Board will be held:

Thursday, January 21, 2027 at 1:00 p.m.
Boardroom, L.E. Shore Memorial Library

Orientation Meetings

Additional orientation opportunities are scheduled throughout January:

BMPL Board Orientation | January 19 at 9:30 a.m. | L.E. Shore Boardroom
Council Orientation: Blue Mountains Public Library | Date TBD | Council Chambers or livestream
Ontario Library Boards' Association (OLBA) Board Bootcamp | January 30 at 9:00 a.m. | Ontario Library Super Conference, Toronto (optional)
Council/Board Orientation | Date TBD | Council Chambers

Future Board Meetings

The BMPL Board currently schedules 10 regular meetings each year, generally on the third Thursday of the month. The Board does not currently meet in August or December.

At its first meeting, the 2027–2031 Board will review and confirm the meeting schedule for the four-year term.

Under the Public Libraries Act, Ontario library boards are required to meet at least seven times each year. If a quorum cannot be achieved for a scheduled meeting, the Chair may determine, based on the business before the Board, whether the meeting should be rescheduled.

What's Included on This Page

The resources below are intended to help you understand the Board’s role and responsibilities, the legislative framework governing public libraries, BMPL’s current position and priorities, and the resources available to support the Board’s work.

You are not expected to read and understand everything on this page before beginning your term. Think of it as a reference library that you can return to throughout your four years.

Your CEO, Jennifer Murley, is the Board’s primary staff resource and will provide guidance on legislation, governance, organizational risk, financial matters, and other issues that come before the Board. The CEO is responsible for ensuring the Board receives the information it needs to fulfill its legislative and governance responsibilities.

Legal Requirements & Key Information

BMPL Governance
Legislative Information
BMPL Financials
External Organizations of Interest

Board Legacy Document

The outgoing 2022–2026 Board prepared the Blue Mountains Public Library Legacy Document as a hand-off to the incoming 2027–2031 Board.

The document was made available to candidates in October 2026 so that prospective Board members could understand the key issues, priorities, and opportunities they may encounter during the new term.

The Legacy Document is organized into three areas:

Key Documents for Review
Key Advocacy Efforts
Legacy Discussions: An Environmental Scan

This document is intended to provide context and continuity—not to prescribe the priorities or decisions of the new Board. The 2027–2031 Board will establish its own priorities and direction as part of its term.

The BMPL Board is responsible for establishing their own policies and By-Laws. These are reviewed at the onset of the term, with question and answer period as needed. Annually at the May Board Meeting a section of policies are reviewed annually. These Governance policies are slated for the first year of the Term. Previous Board's have found that this gap between review for questions - conduct business - review for edit gave a good understanding of the documents in a practical sense, and therefore assisted in an informed revision period.
All of the By-Laws, Policies and Plans are available on our website, but only the Governance Policies and System Policies & Plans are of relevance to the Board specifically. Members may review these documents and bring any questions to a Board Meeting where we can add discussion and Q&A to any new business of a meeting.
Two documents which were of focus at the Board orientation were:
1. POL-BLG.2022.05 BMPL Board Job Description; and
2. POL-BLG.2018.99 Agenda and Multi-year Agendas.
BMPL as a Public Library Board in Ontario is governed by the Public Libraries Act, RSO, 1990 c.P.44. This Act is less than 16 pages and is a strong document which has held the test of time, keeping public libraries independent from becoming a municipal/county department, and maintaining that our public library boards are independent bodies. This document refers to three types of libraries: municipal, county and union. When reading this document, please note that we are a Municipally appointed library, serving the community of the Town of the Blue Mountains. There are slight nuances between these three types of systems, so all information the other two (that about county or union systems) is not relevant and therefore can be skipped in your review. The Ministry also produced a document called Understanding the PLA [MTCS]. This has not been updated recently, but the content is the same EXCEPT:
1. the qualification to be a member of the Board is now a citizen or permanent resident; and
2. the Board must now only have 7 board meetings in a year.
There are several other provincial legislations which we must abide by. They are linked below, but it is not a requirement to read the following legislation. These will be discussed in our early meetings or will be overviewed in the Council joint orientation.
- Municipal Conflict of Interest Act. In our joint orientation with Council, the Integrity Commissioner and/or TBM legal representatives will review the aspects of this document.
- Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA). This is another important document to the organization. The CEO is the "Head" as it related to MFIPPA and is responsible for maintaining BMPL is in compliance as well as receiving and handling all Freedom of Information Requests.
- Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). The organization is required to follow AODA. Additionally, there is a brief primer which Board members must receive on the Act as you will establish and amend policy for BMPL. This document will be presented by the CEO in a meeting prior to the May policy revision period.
- Ontario Not-for-Profit Corporations Act (ONCA). BMPL must adhere to ONCA as we have since applied for CRA status as a charity and must adhere to ONCA if our application is accepted. Those Public Library Boards with charitable status established prior to ONCA ratification are grandfathered and do not have this stipulation.
BMPL and its Board have access to several provincial organizations that provide governance resources, training, advocacy, professional development, and support for public libraries.
These organizations are valuable resources throughout your term. You are not expected to become familiar with all of them at once; this section is intended to help you understand what each organization does and where to turn when you are looking for information or support.

Ontario Library Boards Association (OLBA)
OLBA is a division of the Ontario Library Association (OLA) focused specifically on public library boards and trustees. BMPL and its individual Board members are members of OLBA.
OLBA provides:
- Board governance resources and guidance
- Training and professional development for trustees
- Advocacy on issues affecting public library governance
- Webinars and other learning opportunities
- Resources to help Boards understand their roles and responsibilities
One of OLBA's most useful resources for new Board members is Cut to the Chase, a plain-language governance resource designed to help library trustees understand their responsibilities.
OLBA also hosts its annual Board Bootcamp during the Ontario Library Super Conference. The Bootcamp is an excellent opportunity for new and returning trustees to learn about library governance, connect with other Boards, and build their confidence in their role.
OLBA's ongoing webinars and training are available through the OLA's LearnHQ portal. Many resources are available at no additional cost to BMPL Board members through the Board's membership.
Federation of Ontario Public Libraries (FOPL)
FOPL is the provincial advocacy organization representing public libraries across Ontario. BMPL is a member.
FOPL works to strengthen and promote public libraries through advocacy, research, government relations, and public awareness. It regularly works with municipalities, the provincial government, and other partners to advocate for strong public library funding and policies.
FOPL is particularly useful for understanding provincial and municipal advocacy issues affecting public libraries and how BMPL fits into the broader public library system in Ontario.
Ontario Library Association (OLA)
The Ontario Library Association is the province's professional association for the library sector. OLA brings together library professionals, trustees, and others working across Ontario's library community.
OLA includes seven divisions, including:
- Ontario Library Boards' Association (OLBA) — focused on public library Boards and trustees
- Ontario Public Library Association (OPLA) — focused on public library staff
OLA provides professional development, advocacy, conferences, publications, and learning opportunities for the broader library sector.
The annual Ontario Library Super Conference is one of the largest library-sector professional development events in Canada and includes programming for both library staff and trustees.

Ontario Library Service (OLS)
OLS is a provincial agency that supports public libraries across Ontario, funded by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming (MTCG). OLS provides libraries with access to resources, training, shared services, and province-wide purchasing and networking opportunities.
OLS supports libraries in areas such as:
- Library leadership and governance
- Professional development and training
- Shared purchasing and services
- Technology and digital services
- Collections and resource sharing
- Accessibility and inclusion
- Research, data, and sector information
While many OLS resources are designed primarily for library staff, the information can also be useful to Board members when considering broader sector trends, services, and opportunities.
Strategic Plan 2027-2037
The BMPL Board has developed several key documents to guide the organization’s work. The 2027–2037 Strategic Plan provides the long-term vision and strategic direction for BMPL.
Each year, the Strategic Plan is supported by an Annual Action Plan, which identifies the specific priorities and initiatives that will move BMPL toward its strategic goals.
The outgoing Board developed the Q1 2027 Action Plan, for the incoming Board. It outlines key areas of work across governance, administration, operations, and strategic initiatives that BMPL has identified as priorities for the year ahead.
Together, the Strategic Plan and Annual Action Plans provide the framework for where BMPL is going and what we are doing now to get there.
Memorandum of Understanding (2018)
In 2018, TBM (Town of the Blue Mountains) and the BMPL Board developed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) which outlines the roles, responsibilities, and expectations of each organization.
The MOU includes agreements related to areas such as finance, human resources, information technology, shared resources, facility use, and building maintenance. It provides the framework for how BMPL and Town departments work together.
Funding Agreement (2024-2027)
Effective in 2022, the TBM Council approved a funding agreement with BMPL. It provides 6% of the previous year’s TBM tax levy to fund the Board-approved budget and reserves. This agreement stands for three years with an automatic renewal option.
Building Conditions Report (2025)
A Building Conditions Report provides an assessment of the physical condition and infrastructure needs of BMPL’s facilities, including the L.E. Shore Memorial Library & Gallery in Thornbury and the Craigleith Heritage Depot Museum & Archive in Craigleith.
An initial assessment was completed by the Town in 2018 and identified infrastructure, maintenance, and repair needs over a 20-year planning horizon. A new Building Conditions Report was completed in 2025 and will be the primary reference for the Board going forward. This report will be updated as required to reflect changing building conditions, completed work, and emerging priorities.
The report should be considered alongside BMPL’s broader facility planning and capital priorities.
Space Utilization Study (2026)
In 2026, a Space Utilization Study was completed by Salter Pilon, which provided the foundation for an expansion presentation to Council in July of that year. The study examined how the existing building is being used, identified space constraints and areas of unmet need, and incorporated input from staff, the Board, and the community
The study concluded that the existing facility does not sufficiently meet the community’s current and future needs and identified three potential approaches, ranging from furniture and layout improvements to a significant building addition. The most impactful option is an expansion that would add approximately 4,800 square feet, while also addressing program space, meeting rooms, staff workspace, storage, accessibility, and site improvements.
The study provides an important foundation for BMPL’s ongoing facility planning, expansion discussions, and future capital planning.
L.E. Shore Memorial Library Accessibility Audit (2024)
In 2024, Unity Design Studio completed an accessibility review of the L.E. Shore Memorial Library for the Town of The Blue Mountains and BMPL. The review considered accessibility throughout the building and site, including entrances, circulation, library spaces, the Gallery, washrooms, outdoor areas, signage, lighting, acoustics, and emergency systems.
The report is an important reference for the Board as BMPL considers facility improvements, accessibility, and the future renovation and expansion of L.E. Shore.
Annual Report
Each year, the CEO prepares an Annual Report for the Board and Council highlighting BMPL’s accomplishments, services, community impact, financial position, and priorities.
Annual Reports provide an overview of the Library’s work during the previous year and are an important resource for understanding BMPL’s ongoing value to the community and the Town.
Current and previous Annual Reports are available on the BMPL website and are shared with the community through BMPL’s communications channels.
The 2027–2031 Board begins its term with several significant initiatives already underway, along with longer-term opportunities that will require continued attention. These priorities reflect work undertaken by the previous Board, current organizational needs, and decisions already made by Council and BMPL.
The incoming Board is not bound by these priorities. Rather, they provide context for the work ahead and a starting point as the new Board develops its own priorities and direction for the term.
1. L.E. Shore Memorial Library & Gallery Expansion and Renovation
The expansion and renovation of L.E. Shore Memorial Library & Gallery is expected to be the Board's most significant capital priority in the near term.
In 2026, BMPL completed a Space Utilization Study that examined the building's current space, operational needs, community needs, and opportunities for future growth. The study concluded that the existing facility is not sufficient to meet the community's current and future needs and identified several options for improvement.
Council has endorsed moving forward with the expansion and into the design phase. The next steps will include completing detailed architectural and engineering work and developing a strong business case for construction.
Once the design work is further advanced, the Board will have an important role in developing a funding and fundraising strategy for the project. This may include municipal funding, grants, philanthropy, community fundraising, and other sources of capital funding.
The project will require sustained Board leadership, advocacy, and collaboration with the Town over several years.
2. Funding Agreement & Long-Term Financial Sustainability
Ensuring BMPL has a sustainable financial foundation will be an important responsibility for the new Board.
The Board will continue to work with the Town through the Funding Agreement, while also considering how BMPL can maintain a strong operating and reserve position and prepare for significant future investments in facilities, collections, technology, and services.
As BMPL moves toward a major capital project, the Board will need to consider both the organization's immediate financial needs and its longer-term financial sustainability. This includes:
- Maintaining a sustainable operating budget and appropriate reserves;
- Understanding the financial implications of future capital projects;
- Developing BMPL's fundraising and philanthropic capacity;
- Pursuing grants and other external funding opportunities; and
- Balancing investment in major projects with the ongoing delivery of library, museum, gallery and archival services.
The goal is to ensure BMPL is financially positioned to meet its current responsibilities while also creating capacity for future growth and investment.
3. Expanding Library Services in Craigleith
As the Craigleith area continues to grow, identifying a suitable location for expanded library services in the community will be an important medium-term priority.
BMPL's current presence at the Craigleith Heritage Depot provides an important community connection, but the facility has limitations as a space for delivering contemporary library services. The Board will need to work with the Town to explore opportunities for a more suitable library space or future community facility in Craigleith.
This work will include considering where library services could best be located, what type of space would be required, and how BMPL could contribute to a future municipal or community hub.
4. Craigleith Heritage Depot: Museum & Archive Needs
The Craigleith Heritage Depot remains an important part of BMPL's unique GLAM model, but the facility continues to have space and functionality challenges despite renovations completed in 2022–2023.
As the Board considers the future of library services in Craigleith, it will also need to consider the long-term needs of the Museum and Archive. This includes collections storage, exhibitions, programming, research, staff workspace and public access.
The challenge will be to ensure that the Museum, Archive and Library can each function effectively while preserving the heritage character and community value of the facility.
5. Future Multi-Use Community Facilities
Over the longer term, BMPL should remain engaged in conversations about opportunities for multi-use community facilities in The Blue Mountains.
BMPL was included in the Joint Multi-Use Recreation Facility Assessment (MURFA), which explored opportunities to bring different community services together in shared facilities. While a corresponding project has advanced in Collingwood, there has not yet been a similar project advanced in the Town of The Blue Mountains.
A future multi-use facility could create opportunities to integrate library and community services with recreation or other municipal services. The Board should remain open to these opportunities and consider how BMPL could contribute to a future community hub.
6. Furniture & Interior Improvements
Updating furniture and interior spaces at both BMPL facilities will be an ongoing operational priority.
Much of the existing furniture is aging and does not always meet current expectations for ergonomics, accessibility, durability, flexibility, or inclusive design. As furniture is replaced, BMPL can take the opportunity to create spaces that are more comfortable, functional and welcoming for both the public and staff.
Furniture replacement will likely need to occur over time, with priorities based on accessibility, staff health and safety, public comfort, functionality and available funding.
Looking Ahead
The incoming Board will inherit a significant amount of work already underway, but it will also have the opportunity to shape BMPL's direction for the next four years.
Near term: Advance L.E. Shore expansion planning, design, business case development, and fundraising.
Ongoing: Maintain a strong relationship with the Town and support BMPL's long-term financial sustainability.
Medium term: Explore opportunities for expanded library services in Craigleith and address the long-term needs of the Museum and Archive.
Long term: Remain engaged in opportunities for multi-use community facilities and future community hubs.
Throughout the term: Continue improving BMPL's facilities, furniture and spaces so they are accessible, functional, welcoming and responsive to community needs.
These priorities provide a starting point, not a prescribed agenda, for the 2027–2031 Board. The Board will ultimately determine its own priorities and how it wants to advance BMPL's strategic direction.