Join the Library Board – Apply by Nov 8, 2024
Bowen Island Municipality and Bowen Island Public Library are seeking applications from Bowen Island residents interested in joining the Bowen Island Public Library Board. We are seeking applications from members of the public with diverse skills and interests who are committed to the ideals of open and equitable access to information through public library service.
Key duties of the Library Board are:
- Setting the strategic direction and goals of the library.
- Determining policy and rules for managing the provision of public library services.
- Appointing and reviewing performance of the Chief Librarian.
- Preparing and reviewing the annual operating budget and monitoring revenue and expenditures through the year.
The Board meets 10 times per year on the third Thursday of the month. Further information about the role of Library Board members can be found below and questions can be emailed to info@bowenlibrary.ca.
Interested individuals are asked to respond in writing with a one-page summary of their background, skills and expertise relative to the duties and responsibilities of the position.
Applications should be submitted via email, fax or regular mail, by Friday, November 8, 2024 at 4:00 p.m. to:
Stef Shortt, Deputy Corporate Officer
sshortt@bimbc.ca
Bowen Island Municipality
981 Artisan Lane, Bowen Island, BC
V0N 1G2
Fax: 604-947-0193
Governance Documents
Board Meetings
Board Function: Under the British Columbia’s Library Act, public library boards are responsible for setting a library’s operating policies, annual budget, rules for the operation of the library, appointing a Chief Librarian and more. The Bowen Island Public Library Board of Trustees is composed of trustees appointed by the Bowen Island Municipal Council, and one municipal council appointee. Find out more information here about the roles and responsibilities of the Board.
Meeting Schedule: The Board meets at 7 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month (with summer and December meetings at the call of the Chair). Monthly board meetings are now held in-person in the Library Annex, with attendance via Zoom video conferencing also available. If you would like to attend a board meeting via Zoom, please email us at info@bowenlibrary.ca at least one day prior to the board meeting and we will send you Zoom link information.
2024 Schedule:
- January 18
- February 15
- March 21
- April 18
- May 16
- June 20
- July 18
- August – no meeting
- September 19
- October 17
- November 21
- December – no meeting
Meet the board
The library board is an assemblage of Bowen residents who love public libraries, want the Bowen Library to operate as effectively as possible and are committed to implementing policies that make the Bowen Island Public Library the best it can be for its patrons.
Beatrice Anderson
A patron and supporter of the library since moving to Bowen in 1996, Bea was appointed to the Board in 2020. A lover of books and good writing, she is a decision maker at an administrative law tribunal.
Deanna Brummit
Deanna is a lawyer working with public sector clients on governance practices and respectful workplace and anti-discrimination policies. She has been visiting the Bowen Island Library since childhood and is happy to now call Bowen her permanent home. Deanna firmly believes in creating and maintaining accessible public spaces, such as the library, which provide important services to the community.
Sujata Connors
Sue Ellen Fast – Council Rep
Sue Ellen is a longtime Bowen resident and has served on innumerable boards, committees and task groups. She was elected to municipal office in December 2014 and was appointed to the library board in January 2015.
Len Gilday
Following many years making documentary films for international broadcasters, Len now focuses his lenses on Bowen plants, animals (including humans!), and landscapes. Len is a member of the creative team behind Bowen best-seller The Marine Atlas of Nex̱wlélex̱wem/Bowen Island (available at the library and Phoenix Books) and the website Discovering Kwíla̓km — a guide for exploring the human and natural history of Kwíla̓km/Deep Bay/Mannion Bay.
Jeb Gutelius – Vice Chair
Jeb helps musicians create innovative social change ranging from mental health care to LGBTQ homelessness.
Don Heth – Chair
Don was a professor for 37 years in the Faculty of Science at the University of Alberta, where he taught psychology at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Don has published about 50 scientific articles and book chapters research topics in his discipline, but is most proud of the ways he was able to use technology to push the boundaries of scientific communication and explanation.
Jennifer Madden
Jen works in executive search, is a mother of three boys and has always advocated the importance of public libraries. She and her family moved to Bowen in 2020 and Jen joined the Board in 2023.
Peter Matthews
Peter and his wife Susan came to Bowen in 2006. He has worked as an engineer in electricity supply, marine acoustics, engine controls, and approving aircraft software. As a (now ex) sailor Peter contributed around 15 volunteer years to Marine Search and Rescue. He also works on the garden and house – often under Sue’s direction – and has served on Tunstall Bay Community Association & First Credit Union Boards. Peter is a Rotarian and an Emergency Social Services volunteer. He hopes to contribute to the evolution of our Library.
Kellee Ngan
Kellee is a writer, arts administrator, and lifelong supporter of public libraries. She joined the Bowen Library board in January 2022.
Angela Redish
Anji was a professor of economics at UBC for 40 years where she taught economic history and monetary economics. She has published a number of books and articles on the history of money and financial systems.
Anita Schuller
Anita moved to Bowen in 1995 and has worked for over thirty years with newcomers (immigrants and refugees) as an educator, teacher trainer and program manager. She is a linguist who loves to learn languages and spends much of her spare time singing.
Gurinder Singh Mann
Gurinder is a forward-thinking technology leader with a lifelong passion for libraries. He believes that libraries play a crucial role in nurturing inquisitive minds and fostering intellectual growth.