Agencies, Boards, Commissions and Corporations (ABCCs) > Local Boards (restricted City authority)
Toronto Public Library Board
The Toronto Public Library is the largest public library in Canada, and the busiest in North America. It has 99 branches, including two research and reference libraries, 11 million books and materials and several world-renowned rare book collections. It has 17 million visitors a year.
The board is governed by the Public Libraries Act and the Toronto Municipal Code, Chapter 137, Public Library Board (PDF).
Board responsibilities
The responsibilities of the board include the following specific matters:
- directing and approving strategic plans, goals and policies for the library based on community needs, and ensuring that these plans are efficiently and effectively implemented
- approving the annual operating and capital budgets for recommendation to City Council
- acting as an advocate for library service, representing the library before City Council and in the community
- protecting the public's right to read materials of their choice
- hiring and evaluating the City Librarian, who is responsible for the day-to-day administration of the library and its staff
- is legally accountable for the library's activities and for ensuring that it complies with all applicable legislation
Term of office
Four years.
Composition
The board consists of 12 members:
- the Mayor or the Mayor's designate
- 3 City Councillors
- 8 citizens (up to three of which are high profile citizen members)
Meetings
The board generally meets at the board offices of the Toronto Public Library at 789 Yonge Street, Toronto, on the fourth Monday of each month, at 6 p.m.
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