Library Board

The Guelph Public Library (GPL) operates under the terms of the Public Libraries Act of 1985.

Board meetings

The board holds 10 meetings per year. Board meets the third Tuesday of every month at 5:30 PM, at the Main Library (100 Norfolk Street, Guelph).

All regular board meetings are open to the public.

Current Board Members

Lisa Maslove (Chair)

Lisa joined the Board in 2015. She holds a Master's in Health Economics and a Diploma in Human Resources Management. Lisa provides business support to local small businesses, non-profit organizations and social enterprises. Previously, she managed projects in health services evaluation and performance measurement.

Scott Butler (Vice-Chair)

Scott was appointed to the Board in 2017.  He is currently the head of Policy and Research for the Ontario Good Roads Association.  He is also the Vice President of the Old University Neighbourhood Residents Association and a Board Member of the Guelph Royals Soccer Club.  Scott was also a member of the Fund Development Committee for Hospice Wellington.  

Katie Saunders (Past-Chair)

Katie was appointed to the board in 2011. She is a retired educator, a member of two book clubs, and an avid reader. She is a firm believer that public libraries are an integral part of vibrant and strong communities, and is honoured to be able to serve the city of Guelph and the Guelph Public Library as a Library Board member. 

 Anne MacKay 

Anne was appointed to the board in 2012. She works with non-profit organizations as they build their future plans.

Aaron Blair

Aaron was appointed to the board in 2012. Aaron is committed to contributing to Guelph Public Library and its community.

Councillor James Gordon

James was appointed to the board in 2015. James Gordon is a Guelph City Councillor, a singer/songwriter, a record producer, a playwright, and a community advocate for social justice, cultural, heritage and environmental issues. He was the founding artistic director of the Hillside Festival, the first president of the Guelph Civic League, the first chair of the Family Mental Health Network and the co-founder of the Wellington Water Watchers.

Getu Hailu

Getu was appointed to the board in 2013. Getu holds a PhD in agricultural/resource economics and teaches finance and operations management to business students at the University of Guelph.

Gertrude Robinson

Gertrude was appointed to the board in 2011. Gertrude is emeritus professor and past Director of the Graduate Program in Communications at McGill University in Montreal. Gertrude developed the first Canadian graduate program in Media Studies and has received numerous grants and awards and published 7 books and over 50 articles.

Eileen Watson

Eileen works in recruitment for York University. She loves travel, true crime, and classical music. If Eileen could describe herself, she would say that she is very much a cat person.

Carly Klassen

Carly was appointed to the Board in 2017.  She has a Masters of Social Science in International Management with a specialization in sports, leisure and tourism management.  Ten years of business experience has allowed her to visit many international cities working with a variety of tourism stakeholders and sponsors.  She has recently started her own local business.   

Steve Kraft (CEO & Secretary to Board)

The Library Board appointed Steve Kraft as CEO effective October 1st, 2014. Steve was born and raised in Dashwood, Ontario and received his Master's Degree in Library and Information Science from University of Western Ontario. He began his career over 30 years ago at Guelph Public Library as a Children's Librarian eventually becoming Head of Information Services and later took on the responsibilities of Deputy CEO.

Linda Cozzarin (Administrative Assistant)

Linda provides secretarial support to the board. She organizes meetings, prepares minutes and correspondences. Linda has worked at the Guelph Public Library since 1979.

For information about board meetings, contact our Administrative Assistant by email or 519-824-6220 ext. 227

History of the Board

Established in 1883 under a city bylaw permitted by the Free Public Libraries Act of 1882. It was a successor to the Guelph Mechanic's Institute (est 1850). The Public Libraries Act which defines the size and composition of the Board. Its relationship to City Council and establishes philosophical guidelines for policies with regard to the provision of free public library service.