Dear Caledon Community Members,
As we close out 2024 and reflect on the past year, we remember the wonderful moments we’ve been part of: the excitement shared during book clubs, the sense of accomplishment shining on the faces of people using technology in the makerspaces, giggles, hugs and smiles during story times, and new insights discovered through books, digital titles and e-resources. We saw many of you take up a new instrument (borrowed from the Library), gather and connect in library spaces, study and explore new ideas, and celebrate arts and culture. It is a joy to see Caledon Public Library (CPL) promoting well-being and helping people in this community thrive.
I must thank our incredible staff for their work in championing the Library, providing expert service to library users, and serving as the most important resource CPL offers. I see their passion and dedication to connecting people to the services and information they need. Speaking on behalf of the staff, we are enormously grateful for the opportunities you provide us. Librarians love to answer questions! We delight in connecting you to the information, services, programs and support you seek.
The numbers share the story of how CPL has supported library users. Over the last year, we have tracked 107,000 digital titles borrowed (and counting). You, our community members, have borrowed a staggering 272,323+ physical items, including books, audiobooks, and “things” like instruments and board games. Children’s titles account for 34% of books borrowed, which shows that families and caregivers are encouraging their children to read for enjoyment, setting them up to enjoy learning, in turn setting the stage for lifelong success.
CPL released a report demonstrating a $3.31 social return on investment resulting in $254 per Caledon resident and $822 per household. Additionally, 85% of 300 respondents to the Town’s budget survey indicated they wanted library services maintained or increased. This lets us know we are on the right track, that a majority of people find value in and support the Library’s work and future direction. Excitingly, CPL released its own public survey this year as part of the 2025-28 strategic plan project. We are grateful for all the responses and feedback we received, which will allow us to create a roadmap for the next four years that best serves your needs and will shape your future library.
Finally, I thank the amazing lifelong library users who support CPL through volunteerism. CPL’s Board of Directors is an extraordinary group of nine Caledon community members with a wide range of expertise that they bring to the table in support of a common goal: to govern the public library, ensuring it operates responsibly and meets the needs of the community to the very best of its ability. And to the Friends of Caledon Public Library, an organization that exists to support CPL and just celebrated its 30th year, thank you. Your belief in the value of library services in our community helps ensure that these services will continue and that we will keep reaching new library users every year, so we can share what CPL has to offer and make life better for the people living and working in Caledon.
I hope you all enjoy a wonderful holiday season, visit the library in person or online, and if you don’t already have one, get yourself a library card.
Warm regards,
Colleen Lipp
CEO & Chief Librarian
Caledon Public Library
