News

Caledon, ON – The Albion Bolton Branch of Caledon Public Library (CPL) will re-open to the public on Monday, June 20, 2022, resuming full services after many months of restrictions due to renovations and the pandemic.

“It’s been a long and complex project and staff and Board are excited to welcome the community back to the new space,” said Colleen Lipp, CEO and Chief Librarian of Caledon Public Library. “Library staff deserve endless praise for providing such a high level of service during the construction and pandemic restrictions. We are also grateful for the community’s patience as we worked to improve the branch.”

Along with a modern new look and feel, the branch has been improved to meet the needs of our growing community and the shifting demands in library services. Updates include the relocation and redesign of the service desk, the creation of additional meeting space, and the consolidation of staff spaces to accommodate a hybrid working model. The public spaces have been reconfigured to offer a more welcoming space boasting new paint, carpet, comfy chairs, and tables – the perfect place to sit and read.

The improvements of the Albion Bolton Branch represent CPL’s commitment to adapt and change, providing spaces where residents, including students, seniors, and small business owners, will feel comfortable learning, innovating, and connecting. This project dynamically supports the Library Board’s strategic vision “To be the heart of our community – building and connecting a thriving, engaged, and informed Caledon.”

While we will be welcoming back our customers beginning Monday at 10 am, a ribbon-cutting ceremony is planned for July 18, 2022, at 4 pm to celebrate the official re-opening of the branch. The public is invited to attend.

Caledon, ON – Caledon Public Library (CPL) is excited to announce they have received a grant from the Brampton and Caledon Community Foundation for the development of an Indigenous Speaker Series.

The series will spotlight indigenous speakers, lecturers, artisans, elders, knowledge holders and authors to showcase the depth and importance of indigenous culture.

As a response to the CFLA’s (Canadian Federation of Library Association) calls to action for public libraries, CPL has developed this series as a means of advancing and implementing meaningful discussion within the community as we all work towards Reconciliation. “Our 2021-2024 Strategic Plan goal of “celebrating culture and inclusion” directs CPL to develop and grow our programs to reflect Caledon’s diversity, increase opportunities for cultural activities, and grow our partnerships with cultural organizations according to CEO and Chief Librarian Colleen Lipp. “CPL firmly believes this series will support the Caledon community’s need and desire for artistic, cultural, and education events and programs”.

“The Brampton and Caledon Community Foundation is so very pleased to support the Caledon Public Library’s Indigenous Speakers Series through a Foundation-grant this year” said Jim Boyd, President, and CEO. “The story of Caledon’s indigenous people should be told…we wish the Caledon Public Library and their guest-speakers much success in bringing these stories to life for us to understand, respect and appreciate.”

The first event in the series “History of Indigenous Peoples in Peel with Darin Wybenga” will be held on June 14th at 7 pm. The community is invited to join Darin as he speaks about the history of Indigenous Peoples in Canada, specifically in the Peel Region, as well as the importance of land acknowledgements. Darin Wybenga is a member of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation where he works as the community’s Traditional Knowledge and Land Use Coordinator. This event will take place on Zoom, but space will also be available in our Southfields Village branch to come and watch with other attendees on the big screen.

CPL is proud to provide our community with opportunities for learning and discovery, as members of the Indigenous community share their knowledge, experiences and culture with us. Some of the other events under consideration include: Learning about Indigenous Treaties; Dreamcatcher Making and Teaching; Beading workshop; Grandmother’s Voices; and an Indigenous language workshop. Over the coming months CPL will be sharing all the details on our website and social media platforms.

Did you know that Caledon Public Library (CPL) added dhol drums, travel adaptors, life jackets/PFDs, Ontario Park passes and nature backpacks to their Library of Things collection? Hosted multiple Teen Café programs led by local teens? Relaunched their Artful Caledon initiative with a new website? Added two TikTok channels to their array of social media platforms?

All of this, and more, is shared in Caledon Public Library’s new Annual Report 2021 video.

The video features original music by Carri One Music Production, narration by Jocelyn Martin of local radio station 102.7 Moose FM, with brilliant video filming and editing by Lucky Element Media (Bolton).

“There’s no doubt 2021 was another challenging year, but with those challenges came opportunities – chances to re-examine the status quo and to set a clear direction for the years ahead.” said Colleen Lipp, CEO and Chief Librarian of Caledon Public Library. “Most notably this included the shared work of the Library Board and Staff in developing our new strategic plan – Building the Bridge to Possibilities. This plan will guide our efforts to grow and innovate in response to community needs, to celebrate Caledon’s unique and diverse culture, and to demonstrate CPL’s value to those who live, work and study in Caledon.”

Video highlights include the installation of a new library catalogue, over 341,000 website visits, continued partnerships with local businesses, permanent elimination of fines, and over 300,000 items borrowed and enjoyed during 2021. Exciting future innovations were also emphasized including the Southfields Village Reading Garden, the upcoming Collaboration Studio at Margaret Dunn Valleywood, and the reopening of the newly renovated Albion Bolton branch. “We are inspired by our new mission and excited to show you how we empower community connections, spark innovation and creativity, and energize the transfer of knowledge,” added Lipp. “It’s all in a day’s work at the Caledon Public Library.”

Caledon Public Library (CPL) is excited to announce they have received $91,910 courtesy of the Canada Healthy Communities Initiative (CHCI), in tandem with Community Foundations of Canada for the development of an outdoor reading garden in the new Southfields Village Branch this spring. The CHCI is a $31-million investment from the Government of Canada to support organizations as they create and adapt public spaces to respond to the new realities of COVID-19.

“The Brampton and Caledon Community Foundation congratulates the Caledon Public Library for receiving a grant through the Government of Canada’s Canada Healthy Community Initiative (CHCI) Program,” said Jim Boyd, President, and CEO. “The grant, that will develop and improve the outdoor space at the Library’s Southfields Village Branch, really reflects the core element of the CHCI Program to improve access and use of public outdoor community spaces for a maximum number of people in the community. The Foundation is excited that this project is about to start, and looks forward to seeing its successful completion in the coming months.”

“Caledon Public Library relishes our role as a welcoming, accessible, and free space. The opening of the new Southfields Village Branch was eagerly awaited by neighbours and staff alike,” according to Colleen Lipp, CEO and Chief Librarian. “The Southfields Village Reading Garden will transform a fenced concrete pad, adjacent to a library branch, into a vibrant and welcoming area. The installation of shade sails, comfortable and flexible seating, and planters will create a 3-season destination for the neighbourhood.”

Library services have been curtailed by pandemic restrictions since the Southfields Village Branch first opened its doors in September 2020. This dynamic space will act as a beacon, drawing neighbourhood residents to the library and supporting the Library’s safe return to in-person programming. Proposed offerings, to be delivered by CPL and our partners, include storytimes (in English, French and Punjabi), book clubs, gardening workshops, and outdoor movies. The installation of raised garden planters will allow users of the space to get their hands dirty while planting seeds and harvesting the bounty of the CPL Seed Library.

“Our vision is for the Reading Garden to be more than just a space for programs, but a spot where residents can safely spend meaningful time – to quietly enjoy a coffee from the nearby café, to make use of the Library’s Wi-Fi for work or study, or to have a lively chat with friends and neighbours” adds Lipp. “The benefits of this space extend far beyond the pandemic as this investment will provide long-lasting benefits to the community.”

Caledon Public Library (CPL) is seeking community input on potential makerspace tools, resources and services that will be right for our branches.

Thanks to federal and provincial support through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP), along with the Town of Caledon, Caledon Public Library will soon be able to introduce innovative new services and technologies in the reimagined Margaret Dunn Valleywood Branch.  An additional maker space is being developed in tandem with the relocation of the Caledon East Branch to the expanded Caledon East Community Complex.

Libraries across the province are creating makerspaces. A makerspace is a dedicated place that supports lifelong learning with an emphasis on technology, making and creativity. Makerspaces vary depending on community interests and can include a range of resources such as computers, 3-D printers, audio and video capture and editing tools, musical instruments, sewing machines and traditional arts and crafts supplies. Since there are many different kinds of makers and makerspaces, the library wants to know what best meets the needs of our community and how you would plan to make use of these new spaces.

“Caledon Public Library wants to help people achieve their full potential by providing places where people create, invent, learn together, and build skills for life” explains Colleen Lipp, CEO/Chief Librarian. “We want to hear from our residents. Whether you’re interested in learning new skills for fun, to start a new business venture, or to inspire your next big idea, let us know how we could help.”

Everyone that completes the survey will be entered in a draw to win a Cricut Joy from Creativebug, an online platform that offers online video arts and crafts workshops and techniques and is available through CPL’s Digital Library.

Caledon, Ontario – In an effort to support the social and economic recovery of Caledon residents and reduce barriers to library use, the Caledon Public Library Board has gone fines free. The suspension of
overdue fines began during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and was extended through to the end of 2021 as recommended by the Library Board and the Town’s Community Recovery Team.

The continued elimination of overdue fines was confirmed by Town of Caledon Council’s approval of the Library’s 2022 budget. “A fine-free service model fosters a positive customer experience where all are
welcomed and library use is encouraged, rather than one where residents are hindered from making use of beneficial community resources and services” explains Caledon Public Library’s CEO and Chief Librarian, Colleen Lipp.

While most libraries have long subscribed to the belief that overdue fines encourage patrons to return items promptly, according to Lipp “recent evidence has demonstrated that fines can actually deter
patrons from returning items at all and outstanding account balances can prevent residents from accessing beneficial library services. As a result, there is a steadily growing trend within Canadian
libraries to eliminate overdue fines”.

Caledon Public Library recognizes that fines provide a significant barrier to many, and eliminating them ensures that all residents are able to access the Library’s physical and virtual spaces equally. And now, more than ever, as we work to recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, our community needs access to its community library.

Caledon, ON – Are you a local artist, author or musician looking for a platform to showcase your talents? Artful Caledon is where you need to be.

Caledon Public Library (CPL) invites local creatives of all ages to promote their works in-person and virtually. There is something for everyone with the re-launch of this exciting initiative. From innovative programming spaces for creation and display to a virtual platform for local artists, authors and musicians to share their works.

“Art and culture enhances the quality of life in our community and as confirmed in our recently adopted strategic plan, we consider it our priority to celebrate culture and inclusion; supporting Caledon’s creative talent and cultural economy by showcasing local authors, artists, performers, and makers” says Colleen Lipp, CEO/Chief
Librarian.

Enjoy Art Exhibits on display until December 31 2021
Alton – An art collective of Gail Davidson, Lois Howick, Stephanie Schilling, Adriana Zettel, Nathalie Zonta
Caledon East – Grade 10 students, R.F. Hall High School
Inglewood – Darlene Hartung
Caledon Village – Kayla Jackson
Margaret Dunn Valleywood & Southfields Village – Fatima Learn

Join our virtual platform and display your works and view the work of other local artists and authors.

Stay tuned for the music scene joining Artful Caledon early 2022.

CPL believes that creativity, like information, should be free to everyone who steps into a library and this exciting new initiative is designed to foster the development of art and culture in the Caledon community. We invite all local artists, authors and musicians to celebrate with us. For more details please visit www.artfulcaledon.ca

Caledon, ON – Building the Bridge to Possibilities, a new strategic plan that charts the future course for growth and services at Caledon Public Library, was unveiled to Town of Caledon Council at its July 6th,
2021 meeting.

Colleen Lipp, CEO/Chief Librarian and Janet Manning, Chair of the Caledon Public Library Board presented the plan that, according to Colleen Lipp, “confirms the library’s commitment to work with
council, community partners and residents to guide the future of library spaces and services.”

“The plan is the product of community surveys and engagement of residents, staff and key stakeholders to clarify community needs and confirm municipal priorities,” said Janet Manning. “Designed to be a
thoughtful, proactive and achievable road map for the next four years, it will ensure our efforts to serve Caledon can change, grow and evolve in tandem with residents’ needs, community priorities, enhanced
technologies and shifts in public library services.”

With a mission for Caledon Public Library to empower community connections, spark innovation and creativity, and energize the transfer of knowledge, it lays out four goals that will be the key priorities for
Caledon Public Library over the next several years:
• Grow and Innovate
• Respond to Community Needs
• Celebrate Culture and Inclusion
• Demonstrate Our Value

“This new strategic plan is proof not only of Caledon Public Library’s commitment to providing the best in library service, but of a dedicated Library Board and Staff becoming our vision to be the heart of our
community – building and connecting a thriving, engaged, and informed Caledon” said Lipp. “We invite all of Caledon to join us in making that happen.”

Bolton, Ontario – Caledon Public Library (CPL) is pleased to announce, as of Friday, July 2, it will offer Expanded Patron Access at all branches with the exception of the Albion Bolton branch, which will be
undergoing renovations.

“With the move to Step 2 of Ontario’s reopening plan, we are excited to have our customers back in our branches again.” said Colleen Lipp, CEO and Chief Librarian of Caledon Public Library. “Following
provincial guidelines, customers will be welcome to browse our shelves, use our computer and printing capabilities, and above all, see their favourite library staff and neighbours in person.”

Masks will be required to enter any library branch and business hours will remain unchanged.

Though renovations are now underway at the Albion Bolton branch, staff are committed to continue providing access to library collections through Contactless Holds Pickup.

“We appreciate the community’s patience during this work and are confident that the resulting refresh will be well worth the wait! It will improve CPL’s ability to meet the needs of our growing community and
the shifting demands in library services,” said Lipp. “The benefit of these improvements will reach well beyond Bolton.”

In order to provide more effective and efficient service to CPL customers, planned improvements include the relocation and redesign of the service desk, creation of additional meeting space and consolidation of staff space. Fixtures, finishes and furnishing will be updated and public spaces reconfigured to offer a more welcoming space where residents, including students, seniors and small business owners, will feel comfortable learning, innovating and connecting.

Public access will be restricted during the first phase of the project however it is expected that some inbranch services will resume in early fall as part of the project’s second phase. The full renovation is
anticipated to be completed in December. Progress of the project will be shared on CPL’s website at https://cpl.social/AlbionBoltonReno and also its social media channels.