Council Information
The Canadian Urban Libraries Council was formally incorporated in 2008, although it has operated under different names for over 40 years. Our organization represents 50+ of the largest public library systems in Canada, along with Library and Archives Canada and the Bibliothèque et Archives Nationales du Québec. Our members serve more than 8 million active users who annually visit 720+ locations and utilize virtual services. More than 77% of all Canadians are served by a CULC member library.
CULC’s mission is to facilitate advocacy, collaboration, and research that strengthens and promotes the value of Canada’s urban libraries. We envision a country where urban libraries are recognized as integral to a vibrant democracy, a strong economy, and thriving communities.
CULC’s focus areas are designed to advance its agenda within the Canadian urban context. Our areas of concentration are research and knowledge transfer, advocacy and capacity building, and organizational resiliency. Our organization is likewise opportunity-driven—we seek out and are receptive to partnership opportunities that will advance the Canadian urban library experience and knowledge base.
CULC members actively champion the future of public libraries by advocating for issues around intellectual freedom and freedom of expression, safety and security, and core policy issues that advance our democratic values.
CULC 2027-2030 Strategic Framework
In August 2026, CULC shared its 2027-2030 Strategic Framework: Bold. Brave. Ready.
This plan reflects the voices, experience, and collective thinking of CULC members, and was shaped through broad member engagement. The result is a focused plan that demonstrates where CULC can make the greatest difference over the next several years, though national voice and influence, research and evidence, sector leadership and alignment, and organizational sustainability.
Program Pillars
Research
Canada lacks applied public library research that is based on Canadian examples and experience. CULC is an integral contributor to this work in partnership with other groups internal and external to the library community. Our research provides evidence necessary for informed decision-making, policy development, and advocacy, ensuring that libraries remain integral to vibrant, democratic societies. We prioritize applied research that reflects Canadian experiences and contexts. Read more
Advocacy
CULC actively champions the advancement of urban public library services across Canada. Our advocacy efforts encompass a range of initiatives, including federal policy engagement, recognition of excellence, accessibility initiatives, and more. Read more
Other Projects
CULC undertakes and collaborates on a variety of projects aimed at enhancing and building capacity for public library services across Canada. Some of our key projects include One eRead Canada, LibraryShippingTool.ca, Freedom to Read Week, and more. Read more
Board & Team
CULC is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. The board provides strategic direction, sets policies, and oversees management to ensure the organization achieves its goals while adhering to legal and ethical standards. The 2025-2027 Executive is:
Sarah Meilleur, Chair
CEO, Calgary Public Library
Sonia Bebbington, Vice Chair
CEO, Ottawa Public Library
Åsa Kachan, Past Chair
CEO/Chief Librarian, Halifax Public Libraries
Laura Carter, Secretary/Treasurer
CEO, Kingston Frontenac Public Library
Chrissy Hodgins, Member-at-Large
CEO, Cambridge Public Library
Operational management is led by Mary Chevreau, Executive Director. Mary has over 25 years of leadership experience. She was the Chief Executive Officer of Kitchener Public Libraries from 2015-2024, where she was responsible for all aspects of service and led several large-scale projects including establishing new funding strategies. Before her time at Kitchener Public Libraries, Mary was an independent consultant (2013-2015), as well as the VP, North American Sales for Innovative Interfaces (1996-2013).
Katia Grodecki is the Administrative Officer and Event Coordinator at CULC/CBUC. She holds a Master of Information Studies degree and previously worked at a public library. Her past experience in executive administrative support allowed her to establish a strong foundation in community engagement, records management, and governance coordination.
Committees
As a member-driven organization, CULC has several long-standing committees that meet regularly to advance public library innovation. These include:
- Safety & Security Team: Continuing the work of the Safety & Security Working Group and expanding on the toolkit.
- Digital Content Working Group: Advocating for access to affordable, sustainable digital content for public libraries.
- Futures Lab Steering Committee: Leveraging and supporting the CULC library network to provide information and build skills that can help public libraries more confidently manage the future.
- Futures Lab Champions: 25 library staff members working on several projects including a newsletter and events on topics of interest; creation of policies; and collecting innovative projects for a database of ideas and resources.
Member-driven ad hoc committees are also formed as needed. Examples include:
- Freedom to Read Week Communications Committee
- OVERDUE: The Case for Canada’s Public Libraries Report
- The Future of Libraries
- COVID-19 Toolkit
This information was last updated in December 2024.
Career & Volunteer Opportunities
There are no opportunities currently available. Please visit this page in future.
Partnerships
CULC is a close partner with several organizations including:
- Ontario Library Association (OLA)
- Canadian Association of Research Libraries (CARL)
- Urban Libraries Council (ULC)
- Canadian Federation of Library Associations (CFLA)
- Libraries and Archives Canada (LAC)
- Centre for Equitable Library Access (CELA)
- Public Library Leaders (PLL)
CULC is also affiliated with the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA), the Centre for Free Expression (CFE), and Canada Post.
The council is represented on boards and/or committees with the following bodies/organizations: