The Library Board exists to govern the library, create policy and to ensure financial accountability. Through an understanding of the community and a strong relationship with City Council, the Board advocates for the Library as a whole and ensures that it has clear goals and objectives for meeting community needs. The Board consists of 6 Citizen Appointees, 2 Council Representatives, and a member of the Friends of the Library.

Board members terms are until December 2026.


Jayne White, Board Chair
Janette Loveys Smith, Board Vice Chair
Gillian Sandeman, OLS Assembly representative
Matt Crowley, Council Representative
Gary Baldwin, Council Representative
Gerry McBride, Friends of the Library Representative
Elaine Anselmi, citizen appointee
Jim Russell, citizen appointee
Laurianne Gruzas, citizen appointee


The Board meets a minimum of 7 times a year on Tuesdays starting at 5:30pm. Meetings are held in person in the Library Boardroom. Hybrid options are possible via the Microsoft Teams platform. Please contact the Library CEO for more information or if you'd like to attend.  

  • February 7, 2023
  • March 7, 2023
  • May 9, 2023
  • June 6, 2023
  • September 12, 2023
  • September 28, 2023
  • October 3, 2023
  • November 7, 2023

To review all Library Board minutes as of May 26, 2015 visit the Peterborough City Council website.

The Peterborough Public Library Board is established under the Public Libraries Act. Members sit for a four-year term concurrent with City Council and may be reappointed.

Resources for Board Members

Governance Hub
The Governance Hub provides access to resources, training, and information for members of Ontario's public library boards.
Ministry of Heritage, Sport, Tourism, and Culture Industries
The Ontario Libraries section of the Ministry of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries website provides guides and links to help understand the Ontario Public Libraries Act, as well as related legislation.  
Ontario Library Boards’ Association (OLBA)
The Ontario Library Boards’ Association (OLBA) is a division of the Ontario Library Association (OLA) that represents public library board members on issues relating to their areas of responsibility. The work of the OLBA is primarily to build a professional development (training) program that is responsive to common issues of common concern. It provides information materials and training forums for advancing board development.
Ontario Library Service (OLS)
OLS supports the work of public library boards in Ontario in partnership with the Federation of Ontario Public Libraries, the Ontario Library Board Association, and the Ontario Library Association. The provincial library partners are committed to excellence in library board governance.