About us
Our History
A public library was first established in Hanover in 1895, when the Mechanic’s Institute Board of Directors applied to the Provincial Legislature to create a public library under the newly established Public Libraries Act, 1894. At first, the early collection was housed in various places until the Town applied for a grant from The Carnegie Foundation to construct a permanent library building, which was completed in 1912. Later the Library, Town Hall and Civic Theatre underwent extensive renovations in 1995 to become the Civic Centre we know today.
In accordance with The Public Libraries Act, the library is governed by a volunteer Library Board, and is funded by the Town of Hanover with support from the Province of Ontario.
Our Vision
Your library, your destination to discover and uncover life’s possibilities.
Our Mission Statement
To be a welcoming upbeat community hub, enhancing the quality of life for all, empowering everyone to reach their potential through access to resources and activities for relaxation and lifelong learning.
Our 5 Year Strategic Plan
Library Board
Members
- Carol Hudson – Council Appointee
- Brenda Booth
- Laurel Douma
- Edwin Haas
- Ruth Linnen
- Kathi Maskell – Board Chair
- Jeannette Wilken
Library Board Meetings
Regular meetings of the Library Board will be held on the third Wednesday of the month at 6:30 pm, ten meetings per year. Meetings are open to the public. If you plan to come, please let the CEO/Chief Librarian know in advance. The week of the meeting, you can ask at the library for meeting agendas and reports or contact the library to be sent an electronic copy of the meeting agenda.
If you want to speak to the board, you must make arrangements for a delegation or presentation to the board, because we need to include you in the published meeting agenda. To do this, get in touch with the CEO/Chief Librarian at least one week before the meeting date. Similarly, please contact the CEO/Chief Librarian to attend committee meetings.
Board meetings may be held electronically, by Teleconference (telephone conference call) or Zoom (video call). Members of the public wishing to attend please contact the CEO for the location, phone number or Zoom meeting code. Please arrive a few minutes before the meeting is due to begin and introduce yourself.
Committee meetings:
The board has four committees, whose work is presented at full board meetings for board approval. They are Fundraising and Advocacy, Financial, Personnel and Policy Development. Committee meetings are also open to the public, and are posted on our Events Calendar.
2024 Meeting Dates
3rd Wednesday of the month at 6:30 pm
- January 17th
- February 20th
- March 19th
- April 17th
- May 21th
- June 19th
- September 17th
- October 16th
- November 20th
- December – no regular meeting
Meeting Minutes
https://www.hanover.ca/council-government/boards-committees/public-library-board
Annual Report
The report can be provided in plain text and larger print by request.
Meet the Staff
- Carolyn Caskanette – CEO/Chief Librarian
- Alexander – Branch Manager
- Lauren – Assistant Librarian -Collections
- Laura-lee – Children & Youth Services Librarian
- Toni – Adult Programmer and Outreach Coordinator
- Peggy, Dave and Amanda – Customer Service Assistants
- David, Ava and Chantel – Library Pages
- William – Computer Helper
Alexander, Laura-Lee, Toni, Carolyn