Type
Key Messages
Organizational Excellence
- Charitable Status Announcement: The CEO shared that the BMPL has officially received charitable status. Future discussions with the Town of The Blue Mountains Treasurer and the BMPL Finance Working Group will help guide next steps.
- Policy Review Completed: Several policies were revised to reinforce further the BMPL’s commitment to intellectual freedom in key areas, including programming, room rentals, and collections. The Library and Political Elections Policy was also reviewed, completing another goal identified in the Annual Action Plan.
- Library Board Recruitment Plan Approved: Approval was given to the Library Board Recruitment Plan, as presented by the CEO, with direction to forward the Plan to the Town Clerk for consideration.
- Strategic Plan Update Received: The Strategic Planning Steering Committee noted that most consultations are now complete, with minor timeline adjustments to keep the process achievable. Early findings continue to highlight a strong need for expanded and more accessible spaces, while reinforcing the BMPL’s role as a safe, welcoming, and trusted community resource. Barriers related to awareness, transportation, and operating hours were also identified. Next steps include preparing a comprehensive report and holding an in-person facilitated workshop in early June to help validate the emerging strategic direction, including pillars, mission, and vision.
- OLS Spring Board Assembly Update Received: Board Member Marie Swift shared highlights from the OLS Spring Board Assembly, including the free board recruitment and onboarding resources available through the Ontario Library Service.
Community Hubs
- L.E. Shore Washroom Renovation & Building Condition Assessment Update: An update was provided by TBM Manager Phil Pesek on the L.E. Shore washroom renovation and Building Condition Assessment (BCA). Construction is scheduled to begin Monday, May 25. The draft BCA identified no significant concerns with the facility overall, though the HVAC system and parking lot were noted as being at the end of life.
- 2026 Q1 Report Received: The Q1 2026 report highlighted continued strong community engagement, growth in digital reach and online museum visits, and ongoing progress on strategic priorities, including the L.E. Shore expansion and 10-Year Strategic Plan. Program numbers and participation were lower than Q1 2025 due to inclement weather and new School Board requirements impacting class visits. Staff continues to work with the school to explore alternative solutions.
Empowering Services
Spotlight on Intellectual Freedom: Correspondence was received from the Canadian Federation of Library Associations and the Federation of Ontario Public Libraries regarding advocacy efforts opposing Alberta’s Bill 28, which passed before the meeting. The legislation expands provincial authority over public library governance and collections, including restrictions related to “visually explicit” materials and youth access. Staff have also participated in advocacy opposing the Bill. Earlier in the meeting, several policies were strengthened to further embed intellectual freedom into decisions around programming, room rentals, and collections, reaffirming the BMPL’s commitment to protecting access to information.