News

Caledon Public Library (CPL) needs your help as it embarks on the development of a new strategic plan to guide the Library Board and Staff in the delivery of future public library services to the residents of Caledon.

“It’s more than providing traditional library services to Caledon residents,” says Colleen Lipp, CPL CEO and Chief Librarian. “It’s about listening carefully to our community, our staff and essential research, and stepping outside of the box to demonstrate that we are truly relevant to your needs and essential to Caledon’s quality of life. We need your feedback in order to do so.”

CPL recently retained the services of Lighthouse Consulting Inc. to assist in the development of a four (4) year Strategic Plan that includes an online survey available at www.cpl.social/yourinput. Feedback will be collected from the community until February 15, 2021. All participants will be entered for a chance to win an Acer 11.6-inch Chromebook. Focus groups will also be used to learn more about the community’s needs while identifying new and innovative ways to provide services and resources.

“As per our current strategic plan, CPL is envisioned as a vital service and vibrant community space. Over the last four years we have worked to strengthen facilities, build partnerships and encourage discovery, creativity and innovation,” adds Lipp. “To genuinely reflect the vision, needs and expectations of you, the Caledon community, with this new Plan, we hope to hear from as many voices as possible.”

Caledon Public Library (CPL) currently operates seven (7) branches across Caledon. With branches located in both suburban and rural locations, the Library is well positioned within this community of communities. Over 300,000 visits were made to local branches in 2019, with close to 440,000 items circulating and over 20,000 residents participating in library programs.

Caledon Public Library currently offers Contactless Holds Pickup at all branches. Staff continue to provide virtual reference and reader’s advisory assistance Monday to Friday from 10 am – 5 pm by phone 905-857-1400 x244; email: reference@ caledon.library.on.ca; or text 416-828-7086, as well as What to Read Next online forms. For questions or concerns, please call the CPL main line at 905-857-1400 and leave a voicemail, text to or email reference@caledon.library.on.ca. For further information and updates, please visit caledon.library.on.ca

Caledon Public Library (CPL), alongside more than 500 other Canadian public libraries, is excited to announce they will hold the first national, bilingual (English and French) digital book club. This is the second year of One eRead Canada, a month-long initiative coordinated by Canadian Urban Libraries Council (CULC), that will run from January 1 – January 31, 2021.

More than 80% of Canadian public libraries will be offering free, unlimited access to Vi by Kim Thúy, in eBook and eAudiobook formats across different platforms. This book will be available in English and French – without holds or waitlists – to all CPL cardholders.

 “Everyone benefits from stronger and better eContent in libraries”, says Colleen Lipp, CPL’s CEO and Chief Librarian. “One eRead Canada is raising awareness about library access to eContent and encouraging dialogue about a wonderful Canadian book. This initiative falls perfectly in line with our mission to nurture connections, collaboration and creativity.”

 One eRead Canada is an important initiative undertaken by CULC, which is striving to resolve the prohibitive costs and purchasing restrictions public libraries face related to eContent. CULC’s recent eContent for Libraries campaign, in which CPL actively participated, drew attention to major multinational publishers’ excessively high prices and restrictive purchasing models for eBooks and eAudiobooks. One eRead Canada and similar programs introduce readers and listeners to new titles and authors, positively impacting sales of digital content – to the benefit of publishers, authors, and readers.

 The selection for our first bilingual book club is Vi by Kim Thúy, published by Libre Expression in French and Penguin Random House Canada in English. This masterful book about the lives and experiences of Vietnamese refugees in Canada was a finalist for the 2019 Governor General’s Literary Award in translation and longlisted for the 2018 Scotiabank Giller Prize.

CALEDON PUBLIC LIBRARY LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE

Bolton, ON – Caledon Public Library (CPL) is thrilled to unveil its new and improved website, now live at caledon.library.on.ca.
CPL embarked on the redesign project in September 2019 with the goal of making the site more mobile friendly, intuitive, accessible and modern. A public feedback survey was launched to guarantee that the new website met the needs of its users and additionally, a handful of patrons participated in usability testing, which highlighted pain-points of the existing website.
With patron feedback top of mind, CPL, in collaboration with Banja Solutions, has developed a website that is more user-friendly than ever, featuring a dynamic new visual design, improved navigation and a mobile-friendly interface that optimizes the site for all devices. In addition to these improvements, CPL has implemented a whole host of smaller but impactful updates, designed to make patron’s online experience better.
To ensure that the new site meets patron’s needs, CPL has launched a feedback survey and would love to hear your thoughts. As well, our knowledgeable staff is offering assistance for those needing help navigating the new website through Tech Help @ Home.
Visit caledon.library.on.ca to learn more about the new site and the many exciting features.
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About Caledon Public Library
Supporting a growing community of communities across 700 square kilometers, Caledon Public Library offers services, collections and programs in our six branches. Located in small villages as well as urban centres, these hubs serve as the cornerstones of the community, connecting people to information and each other. With an ever expanding number of digital tools, CPL provides access to downloadable eBooks and streaming movies and music. Whether connecting, collaborating or creating in our spaces or discovering and getting inspired from the comfort of home, all is possible – and free – with your library card.
For more information contact:
Mary Maw
Manager | Communications & Community Development
Caledon Public Library
mmaw@caledon.library.on.ca | 905-857-1400 ext. 228
Follow Caledon Public Library on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

CALEDON PUBLIC LIBRARY EXPANDS VISITING LIBRARY SERVICES

Caledon, ON – Do you need books and other library materials but are unable to travel to the library? In alignment with the Town of Caledon’s Covid-19 Recovery Plan and the proposed action for “Supporting Community Connectedness”, Caledon Public Library (CPL) is expanding our Visiting Library Service (VLS). Suspended since March 2020, the Caledon Public Library’s VLS program had volunteers delivering library materials to homebound seniors. The expanded version of this program will be to provide drop-off and pick up library services to Caledon residents who are unable to visit their local library branch due to COVID-19 or other challenges.
“We are now in a position to reintroduce an expanded version of the program whereby volunteers will provide a contactless drop-off and pick-up service” says Gillian Booth-Moyle, Branch Manager. “Once a month volunteers will drop off and pick up library materials outside the homebound resident’s home.” The service is open to all members of the community who have a valid Caledon Public Library card.
The library is also recruiting volunteers who can commit to 1-2 hours a month, are 18 years of age or older, with a valid driver’s license and have their own mode of transportation. You supply the warm smile and generous spirit and CPL will provide the rest!
If you are in need this service or are interested in volunteering, please contact Gillian Booth-Moyle, Branch Manager, at 857-905-1400 ext. 217 or email vls@caledon.library.on.ca.
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About Caledon Public Library
Supporting a growing community of communities across 700 square kilometers, Caledon Public Library offers services, collections and programs in our six branches. Located in small villages as well as urban centres, these hubs serve as the cornerstones of the community, connecting people to information and each other. With an ever-expanding number of digital tools, CPL provides access to downloadable eBooks and streaming movies and music. Whether connecting, collaborating or creating in our spaces or discovering and getting inspired from the comfort of home, all is possible – and free – with your library card.
For more information contact:
Mary Maw
Manager | Communications & Community Development
Caledon Public Library
mmaw@caledon.library.on.ca | 905-857-1400 ext. 228
Follow Caledon Public Library on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Caledon Public Library (CPL) is pleased to announce that we are ready to move forward with our gradual recovery of library services. Most recently we opened our drop boxes and introduced a Contactless Holds Pickup Service at 3 branches. “Today we are excited to announce the reopening of our branches in a staged and careful way to make sure that we can safely provide access at a time when library service is more important than ever,” says Colleen Lipp, CPL CEO and Chief Librarian. “Effective July 21, 2020, CPL will be offering Limited Patron Access at select locations.”

In alignment with Stage 2 of the Province’s plan for reopening Ontario, branch access will be limited to those retrieving holds or making use of library computer stations and visitors will be unable to browse the shelves. Strict capacity limits at each branch will be enforced. Computer access will be available on a first come first served basis for a maximum of 30 minutes per day. “Residents are encouraged to plan their library visits with these conditions in mind. Unfortunately, not all of our branches are well suited to this type of access”, says Lipp. At this point, CPL will be offering Limited Patron Access only at the Albion Bolton, Alton and Caledon East branches. CPL will continue to provide Contactless Holds Pickup at the Caledon Village and Margaret Dunn Valleywood locations.

The hours of service at all five branches will be as follows:
• Tuesday – 12 – 4 PM
• Wednesday – 10 AM – 2 PM
• Thursday – 4 – 8 PM
• Friday – 12 – 4 PM
• Saturday – 10 AM – 2 PM

The health and safety of our customers and staff remains our top priority. Full details of all the safety precautions and protocols that CPL have in place can be found by visiting the library website. As we embark on this path to reopening, we encourage our customers to continue to use our free Digital Library, offering hundreds of resources for all ages. For those in need of technical assistance, we offer Tech Help @ Home. Also, a reminder that while we can’t gather in person, we’re continuing to offer the same great programming you love, virtually! Visit our calendar for all the details. CPL would like to thank the community for their ongoing patience and support during these challenging times. For questions or concerns, please call the CPL main line at 905-857-1400 and leave a voicemail, text to 416-828-7086 or email reference@caledon.library.on.ca. For further information and updates, please visit caledon.library.on.ca

Does your family love to cook? Are you looking for family cooking competition ideas after watching cooking shows, perusing magazines, and thumbing through cookbooks? If your dinner table is humming with talk of ingredients and new recipes to try, you are ready for Caledon Public Library’s (CPL’s) Great Quarantine Cookoff. Let’s gather virtually from our kitchens on Zoom for this 3-part interactive cooking challenge.
Beginning on July 14 at 2 pm, join us for the Cupcake Challenge. All you need is either a cupcake or cupcake-like object such as an apple or even a plastic container. Iced with peanut butter? Decorated with cucumber? Nothing is off-limits in your kitchen. Karen Martin-Robbins from the Caledon Enterprise will join us as the celebrity judge and winners will receive a $20 gift card from the legendary Ray’s 3rd Generation Bistro Bakery in Alton.
Do you think your grilled cheese sandwich is the best thing since sliced bread? Plan your cheesiest most unique grilled cheese and join us on July 21 at 2 pm for the Grilled Cheese Challenge. Christine Cooper, Chef extraordinaire will judge based on creativity, visual appeal and cheesy pull. Winners will win a $20 gift card from Stratengers in Bolton.
Is your favourite recipe legendary among family and friends? On July 28th at 7 pm prepare your favourite dish or treat and showcase it in our Recipe Swap. Tell everyone what you love about it, how it tastes and why it is special to you. You can win a $20 gift card from Gourmandissimo | Catering & Fine Foods in Caledon East based on participation votes.
Register for one or all three and either individually or as a team. Children must be accompanied by an adult so why not make it a family affair. For all the visit https://cpl.social/quarantinecookoff. It’s time to channel your inner chef and join together to share our love of food and this common cooking experience. May the best cooks win!

A WIN/WIN FOR YOU AND LOCAL BUSINESSES WITH CALEDON PUBLIC LIBRARY’S ADULT SUMMER READING CHALLENGE

Bolton, ON – Caledon Public Library’s Adult Summer Reading Challenge (ASRC) is filled with a variety of fun tasks and a chance to win a gift card from a local business each week!!
“We like to think of this year’s ASRC as a literary competition of community and kindness,” says Megan Renkema, CPL Information Services Manager. “Not only are you encouraged to read books in an assortment of genres, each of our winners will be supporting a local business when they redeem their gift card.”
The community can win gift cards from Butter & Cup, Southfields; Caledon Hills Brewing Company, Palgrave; Caledon Hills Cycling, Inglewood; Villa Caledon Inn, Caledon East; Casamici, Bolton; Coffee Time, Bolton; Dolce Family Ristorante, Caledon Village; Forster’s Book Garden, Bolton; Gabe’s Country Bake Shoppe, Caledon East; Garden Foods, Bolton; GoodLot Farmstead Brewing Co., Alton; Gourmandissimo, Caledon East; Higher Ground Café, Belfountain; Rays 3rd Generation Bistro Bakery, Alton; Spirit Tree Estate Cidery, Terra Cotta/Cheltenham; and Stratengers in Bolton.
“Our idea was to support local businesses during these unprecedented times,” added Mary Maw, Communications & Community Development Manager. “We are just so overwhelmed with the generosity of all businesses, especially the ones who donated the gift cards.”
“We believe that Caledon Public Library is a critical piece of our community, offering a safe space with unlimited resources as well as a place to connect, with ourselves and with each other,” says Gail Winters, Owner and Farm Manager of GoodLot Farms & GoodLot Farmstead Brewing Co. “We’re happy to be a part of CPL’s Adult Summer Reading Challenge.”
Weekly challenges can found at cpl.social/AdultSRC and on CPL’s Facebook page. Participants complete an online form to enter each week. Prizes will be drawn two weeks after the beginning of each challenge. At the end of the summer, one grand prize winner will be awarded a gift pack of local gift certificates.
Find out more details at cpl.social/AdultSRC and get started for your chance of a win/win, for you and local businesses, today!

CPL ANNOUNCES WINNERS OF WRITING CONTESTS WITH A VIRTUAL AWARDS CEREMONY

Bolton, ON – Caledon Public Library (CPL) writing contests have always been a wonderful opportunity to showcase local talent and historically would culminate in an awards ceremony celebrating creativity and community. This year we celebrated our resilience too. At a time when togetherness seems both more challenging and more critically important than ever, CPL still was able to host the awards ceremony but this time virtually.
The awards ceremony for CPL’s 2020 Flash Fiction Writing Contest for Adults & Teen and Adult Poetry Contest took place on June 9, 2020 on Zoom. The contests, sponsored by Friends of Caledon Public Library, the fundraising arm of the library, offered aspiring writers a venue on which to showcase their literary flair. “The caliber of stories and poems received was outstanding” says Marty Harrison, President of Friends of Caledon Public Library. “I applaud the many ways the Library is reaching out to our community in such challenging times and providing such positive focus”.
And the winners are:
Teen Flash Fiction Short Story Contest
1st place Smile by Crystal Strachan
2nd place The Icebreaker by Taylor Martin-Robbins
3rd place Graveyard Dirt by Sarah Morin
Adult Flash Fiction Short Story Contest
1st place Camino by Karen Alison
2nd place The Kindness of Strangers by Elaine Coish
3rd place Annette Gibbons 1950-2009: A Life by Judy Zarowny
3rd place The End of Narcissa Clare by Anita Coossa
Adult Poetry Contest
1st place Perversities of Timing by Elaine Coish
2nd place Hostage by Kyla Munden
3rd place Anxiety by Judy Zarowny
Thank you to all those writers that entered and congratulations to the winners.

Caledon Public Library (CPL) is excited to announce the first steps in a gradual return to library services. Thank you to all our customers who have been taking such good care of our library
materials these past few months. Beginning June 3, 2020, we will be ready to accept returns that will fit into our drop boxes which will be open at all branches 24/7. While fines will continue to be suspended until regular service resumes, we are encouraging the prompt return of borrowed items so we can prepare to share them with other customers as we move into this initial stage of recovery. We will not be accepting book donations at this time.

Beginning June 16, 2020, we will be initiating a contactless Holds Pickup Service and CPL customers will be able to place holds and pick up the library materials outside designated library branches. While the physical branches will continue to remain closed, the Albion Bolton, Caledon Village and Margaret Dunn Valleywood Branches will be offering a Holds Pickup service Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays 12-4pm, Wednesdays 10am-2pm and Thursdays 4-8pm.

“Caledon Public Library staff miss seeing library customers and appreciate being a valuable part of the community,” says Colleen Lipp, CPL CEO and Chief Librarian. “As we move to this new phase of service we are taking all precautions to ensure the safety of our staff and customers. We are now ready to launch a Holds Pickup service that provides a secure means to pick up items that have been placed on hold and return previously checked out books and materials. Anything returned will be quarantined for 72 hours before going back into circulation.”

For those that may appreciate some help selecting their books, we have launched “What to Read Next” a new reader’s advisory service. Complete the online form at https://cpl.social/whattoreadnext and we’ll send you a personalized list of recommended titles you are sure to enjoy