Library Board

The Guelph Public Library (GPL) operates under the terms of the Public Libraries Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. P.44.

The library board has the sole authority and responsibility for establishing policy at the Guelph Public Library.

Board Meetings

The board holds 10 meetings per year. Board meets the third Tuesday of every month at 5:30 PM.

Current Board Members

Randalin Ellery (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. 

Danny Williamson (Vice-Chair)

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.

Scott Butler (Past-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.

Lisa Maslove 

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.

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. 

Renganathan Sadagoban

Renganathan is a technology consultant and helps businesses spanning from Banks, Telecom and retail domains in their digital transformation journeys. He has worked in several international cities and values diversity. He is poised to leverage his diverse skills for ensuring the Guelph Public Library's success. Renganathan was appointed to the Guelph Public Library Board in 2022.

Steve Kraft (CEO & Secretary to the Board)