Library Board Elections and Annual Business

The Library Act requires municipal libraries, regional district and public library associations to hold annual elections for the chair and vice-chair, and adopt an annual budget. 

The requirements for elections and adoption of the budget are outlined in the Library Act for each type of library:

• Municipal Libraries: Section 7-10
• Regional District Libraries: Section 19-25
• Public Library Associations: Sections 37-40
  • Public Library Associations must provide a copy of the financial statements at or before the Annual General Meeting (AGM).
  • In each year the library board must prepare and approve a budget for providing library service. The election and adoption of the budget is strongly recommended to take place at the AGM.  
  • AGMs must be held within a few months of the end of the fiscal year to ensure proper reporting and accountability.  
• ​​Integrated Library Systems are departments within their regional districts and are not governed by an elected or appointed library board.

Guidance for Public Library Association Annual General Meetings

Annual General Meetings are a requirement of the Library Act and are vital to a Public Library Association’s governance, ensuring accountability, transparency, and engagement with members and funders. This guidance provides essential information and practical guidance to help PLAs conduct effective and well-structured meetings.

Annual General Meetings Basic for Public Library Associations (PDF, 3MB)

This guidance applies specifically to Public Library Associations as recognized under the Library Act and is not applicable to other types of public libraries.