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

Scott Butler (Chair)

Scott was appointed to the Board in 2017.  Scott’s career has been a deliberate and methodical immersion into the world of public sector leadership. His experiences have touched on immigration, labour markets, agri-food, corporate responsibility, infrastructure and correctional services. Currently, Scott is the Executive Director of OGRA, one of Canada’s oldest and largest municipal organizations. His previous roles have included serving as a member of the Ontario Parole Board, overseeing the national Corporate Social Responsibility function for a large financial corporation and working as a policy advisor with the Government of Ontario. Away from the office Scott has sat on the Board of a number of community organizations. Soccer, basketball and music occupy far too much of his time. Scott lives in Guelph with his family. He is a graduate of the University of Guelph, Jagiellonian University in Kraków, Poland and the Detroit music scene.

Vivian Webb (Vice-Chair)

Vivian was appointed to the board in 2018. Vivian believes that the Guelph Public Library is a community gathering place and a lifeline to the world of information.  For Vivian, it is a place where people can connect with their communities and where they can grow as individuals regardless of age, economic or health status, language or digital literacy.  Building a library for the lives we lead now takes a broad commitment and vision and Vivian wants to continue to reach out to the community to allow everyone an opportunity to contribute.

Randalin Ellery (Vice-Chair)

Randalin was appointed to the Board in 2018. Randalin has a passion for building strong, healthy, and resilient communities and believes that public libraries have an integral role in doing so. She is a strong advocate for engaging those that are typically marginalized, including families and individuals living in poverty and experiencing homelessness. 

Lisa Maslove (Past-Chair)

Lisa is a human resources and finance professional who serves clients in the private and non-profit sectors. She believes that libraries are vital public spaces that help us stay connected as a community. She is delighted to have served on the Guelph Public Library Board since 2015.

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.

Anne MacKay 

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

Katie Saunders

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. 

Danny Williamson

Danny joined the Board in 2019. He holds a Bachelor’s degrees in History and Education, and a Master’s degree in Marketing. As a community builder and a not-for-profit leader, he believes passionately that the Guelph Public Library plays a vital role in making Guelph a stronger, more vibrant, and just city. A lifelong book nerd, he can often be found at the Main Library on Saturday mornings, visiting the fish tank on the second floor with his daughter, Greta.

Steve Kraft (CEO & Secretary to the 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.

Dan Atkins (Director of Operations & Treasurer to the Board)

Dan is a lifelong Guelph resident. Dan graduate from the University of Toronto with a Master’s Degree in Library Science. He has been employed at the Guelph Public Library since 2006, and he started as a Reference Librarian prior to supervising the Bookmobile and the Bullfrog Mall Branch.  Dan is currently the Director of Operations at the Main Library.

Barbara Powe (Administrative Assistant)

Barbara provides secretarial support to the board. She organizes meetings, prepares minutes and correspondences. Barbara recently joined the Guelph Public Library in September 2020.

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.