About us

Our history

Vision and Planning

Library Board

Annual Report

Library Staff

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.

2023 Meeting Dates

3rd Wednesday of the month at 6:30 pm

  • January 18th
  • February 15th
  • March 15th
  • April 19th
  • May 17th
  • June 21st
  • July 19th
  • September 20th
  • October 18th
  • November 15th
  • 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 – Interim CEO/Chief Librarian
  • Lauren – Assistant Librarian -Collections
  • Alexander – Assistant Librarian -Technology
  • Stephanie – Children & Youth Services Librarian
  • Peggy, Kay, Laura-Lee and Toni – Customer Service Assistants
  • David, Trueane and Oliver – Library Pages
  • William – Computer Helper
Welcome to the Hanover Public Library.
Welcome to the Hanover Public Library!
Carolyn, Kay, Lauren, Agnes