News

CO2-Monitor

Breathe Easier with Caledon Public Library

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Caledon, ON – Just how healthy is the air you’re breathing in your home?

To help find out, Caledon Public Library (CPL) has added new carbon dioxide monitoring technology to its Library of Things collection.

Per Health Canada, “Carbon dioxide is a gas pollutant found in indoor and outdoor air that can come from cigarette smoking, unvented or poorly vented fuel-burning appliances, by breathing and more. The presence of increased levels of carbon dioxide may have impacts on our general well-being, including fatigue and headaches, and difficulty concentrating.”

The new Aranet4 CO₂ monitors, generously provided by Community Access to Ventilation Information (CAVI), will generally indicate the quality of indoor air and how well ventilated an area is. The monitor’s readings could help inform decisions on whether improvements are required, like opening windows, swapping appliances, or reducing the number of occupants in a space.

“We appreciate Community Access To Ventilation Information for supporting the addition of the Aranet4 CO₂ monitors to our collection”, states Colleen Lipp, CEO & Chief Librarian. “They complement the radon detectors which are available in the Fall and Winter months, and kill-a-watt power monitors which are already are available through our Library of Things. We’re glad to offer yet another tool with which our customers can monitor the safety and efficiency of their homes.”

There are 10 Aranet4 CO₂ monitors available from CPL that can be borrowed for up to 21 days. For more information about CPL’s Library of Things, or to place a hold on a device, visit the library’s website.

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Elvis Tribute Concert & Fundraiser

There will be a Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On June 2 at the Albion Bolton Fairgrounds with an Elvis Tribute concert and fundraiser for Caledon Public Library (CPL). Sing along to Johnny B. Goode, Blue Suede Shoes, I Can’t Stop Loving You, Hound Dog and more.

Enjoy an evening of Elvis favourites with two Elvis Tributes, starring Bruno Nesci, one of the 2022 top 5 finalists at Graceland, and featuring Eric Evangelista, a Collingwood Elvis festival grand champion, re-creating the 1970 opening show that Elvis performed at the Las Vegas Hilton. To mark the 50th Anniversary, Bruno will also be re-creating the full-scale concert of Aloha from Hawaii.

Presented by Dreamers Entertainment & Stage Academy Theatre Association, in support of Caledon Public Library, the event will run 7:30 – 10pm with seating outside (weather permitting) in the Fairgrounds parking lot. Tickets can be purchased at CPL’s Albion Bolton branch or online at https://caledon.library.on.ca/elvis/ Concessions will be sold at the event (cash only) and proceeds will go to CPL.

“Caledon Public Library is so appreciative of Dreamers Entertainment & Stage Academy Theatre Association to involve us in this fun community event”, said Colleen Lipp, CEO and Chief Librarian of Caledon Public Library. “It will be an enjoyable evening for all and it will help fund CPL’s new Memory Station, which will launch at the Albion Bolton Branch in the summer of 2023.” Through fundraising efforts, the Memory Station will be a do-it-yourself (DIY) station which will enable customers to digitize materials including converting old home movies, printed photographs, or slides into a digital format which can be shared online.

2022-Annual-Report

CPL Shares a Year of Growth & Change with Their 2022 Annual Report Video

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Caledon, ON – Did you know that Caledon Public Library (CPL) added Go Pro cameras, walking poles, travel adapters and more musical instruments to their Library of Things? That over 10,000 people attended a combination of in-person and virtual programs? That they expanded their Artful Caledon initiative to include musicians and studios that offer spaces and services for the community to learn and experience their own creativity?

All of this, and more, is shared in Caledon Public Library’s new Annual Report 2022 video. The video features original music by Carri One Music Production, narration by radio station host Rick Sargent, with brilliant video filming and editing by Lucky Element Media (Caledon).

“2022 was a year of growth and change at the Caledon Public Library… with lots to be done and never a dull moment.” said Colleen Lipp, CEO and Chief Librarian of Caledon Public Library. “As we worked to return to our pre-pandemic service levels, we were thrilled to see familiar friends returning to our branches and new faces exploring our services for the first time.”

Video highlights include hosting the first large scale sold-out fundraising event with the screening of the award-winning documentary “The Long Rider”. Over 300,000 website visits, continued partnerships with local businesses, and over 400,000 items borrowed and enjoyed during 2022. Exciting future innovations were also emphasized including the re-opening of the Margaret Dunn Valleywood Collaboration Studio, and the relocation of the Caledon East Branch which will be home to the Cory Trepanier Creativity Studio.

“Ultimately 2022 was a year with far more ups than downs and we remained focused on realizing our vision for the Caledon Public Library,” added Lipp. “To build and connect a thriving, engaged, and informed Caledon – to be the heart of the community. “

The 2022 Annual Report video will be shared on all of CPL’s social media channels and can be permanently found on CPL’s YouTube channel. For information on what CPL has to offer you and your family, please visit caledon.library.on.ca

MDV-Collaboration-Studio-Opening

CPL Celebrates the Opening of the Margaret Dunn Valleywood Collaboration Studio

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Caledon, ON – Caledon Public Library (CPL) is excited to announce the opening of the new Margaret Dunn Valleywood Collaboration Studio. The official opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place on Saturday, April 29th at 11am with dignitaries and special guests. An open house for the community will take place from 12 noon to 3 pm.

Thanks to federal and provincial support through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP), along with the Town of Caledon Public Library, the Margaret Dunn Valleywood Branch has been reimagined into a space offering new innovative services and technologies not yet available anywhere else in Caledon. The modernized branch houses a makerspace and recording studio as well as spaces for working, learning, and meeting… and of course books which focus on supporting these new services with special collections for local businesses and entrepreneurs and an emphasis on technology, making, and creativity. The renovated branch will also continue to act as a pickup and return location for all CPL materials.

“The grand opening of the Margaret Dunn Valleywood Branch at the Caledon Public Library marks the next step in creating a stronger community and improving the well-being of the residents in the Town of Caledon,” said Ruby Sahota, Member of Parliament for Brampton North, on behalf of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities. “We will keep working collaboratively with our partners to support meaningful investments in infrastructure to build strong and healthy communities for Canadians.”

“Local infrastructure and public libraries are essential for the quality of life and well-being of every community,” said Kinga Surma, Ontario Minister of Infrastructure. “The Margaret Dunn Valleywood Collaboration Studio will connect residents to new services and technologies and empower them to learn, innovate and create. Our government will continue to work with our federal and municipal partners to build key infrastructure in communities across the province.”

“We are excited that these new services will be delivered in the heart of Valleywood and expect that neighborhood residents will take full advantage of all that will be available on their doorstep,” says Colleen Lipp, CPL CEO and Chief Librarian. “With its easy access to Hwy 10 and the 410, we also see this branch as a destination for all of Caledon.”

Not tech savvy, no worries. There is no need to be an expert. Makerspaces are one of the best ways to learn the skills that are essential today and for the future. Equipped with resources such as computers, 3-D printers, audio, and video capture and editing tools, and traditional arts and crafts supplies, they provide a place where people create, invent, learn together, and build skills for life. Libraries around the world are home to these vibrant learning and innovation hubs for co-creation.

The Collaboration Studio will host many maker, technology, and craft workshops facilitated by both CPL staff and experts from the community. Partnerships with the Town’s Economic Development and Recreation Teams and other stakeholders to offer programs and events for local businesses and residents are also planned for the future. To learn more, visit https://caledon.library.on.ca/mdv-reno/

Community-Connections_Minister-Award

CPL Shortlisted for Provincial Innovation Award

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Caledon, ON – Caledon Public Library (CPL) was recently shortlisted for the Minister’s Award for Innovation at the 2022 Ontario Public Library Service Awards for CPL’s Community Connections project.

The Minister’s Award for Innovation, given by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport, recognizes successful new approaches that demonstrate a positive impact in a community and are of continued value to public libraries.

“Although we did not win, we are pleased that our unique and growing partnerships with Bethell Hospice and Caledon Community Services, to extend the reach of digital services and help to bridge the digital divide, have been recognized.” said Colleen Lipp, CEO and Chief Librarian of Caledon Public Library. “The Community Connections initiative supports the Caledon community by helping them to connect with loved ones, attend virtual events, gather information, alleviate isolation and providing residents with access to critical services and resources during challenging times.”

The Library pre-loaded digital content onto tablets that Bethell Hospice provided in each of their 10 private resident rooms. CPL also created Community Connection Kits, which include a Chromebook and Internet hotspot, and partnered with Caledon Community Services to ensure those with a demonstrable need had access to them. Within the Community Connections project, local organizations reached beyond their walls to share information and resources with library users and the Caledon community with CPL’s Community Corner.

“This is all part of how Caledon Public Library empowers community connections, sparks innovation and creativity, and energizes the transfer of knowledge. We will have more exciting news to share once our Margaret Dunn Valleywood Branch renovation has been completed. The community will be invited to use our new recording studio, maker tools, collaboration spaces and more,” added Lipp. “You’ll definitely want to see how we continue to grow and innovate in order to respond to community needs.”

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Caledon Public Library Launches Public Art Project

CALEDON, ON – Calling all local artists! In Caledon Public Library’s (CPL) ongoing efforts to support homegrown talent, we are seeking applications from local artists for the creation of a public art installation at the Albion Bolton branch. The Library’s goal is to create a clearly defined warm and welcoming entrance to our Children’s area.

Caledon Public Library recognizes that art and culture enhance the quality of life in our community. “We are committed to celebrating culture and inclusion and supporting Caledon’s creative talent and cultural economy by showcasing local authors, artists, performers, and makers” said CEO and Chief Librarian Colleen Lipp.  CPL’s Artful Caledon offers spaces for local creatives of all ages to promote their work both in person and virtually. “This public art project is an extension of our Artful Caledon initiative and will showcase local talent and inject new colour and vibrancy to the space.”

Local artists, designers and creators, are invited to submit their expressions of interest and samples of their artwork along with a creative brief or design concept. Those interested and wanting to learn more about the project can visit www.cpl.social/PublicArtProject or email questions to communications@caledon.library.on.ca

Claudia_teen-sign-designer

Local Teen Creates Signage to be Showcased in Caledon Public Library’s Albion Bolton Branch

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Caledon, ON – Caledon Public Library’s (CPL) Albion Bolton branch recently went through a renovation, including a redesign of the Teen space in the library. Hoping to add a creative spin to the Teen section, CPL reached out to local youth who had submitted artwork for the library’s Fan Art Contest for their signage design ideas.

“As part of our Artful Caledon initiative, we are seeking ways to include local artists in some of our ongoing projects including this signage process,” says Colleen Lipp, CEO & Chief Librarian of CPL. “We were looking for functional art that was decorative and would create a unique sense of place for our teen area.”

Creative submissions were received, with the artwork of local teen, Claudia, chosen as the favourite, to be produced into a four-foot by six-foot (121.92 x 182.88 cm) sign. “I was elated and my family was super happy for me”, says Claudia. “I love creating art and am always looking for more opportunities to do so. After reading the requirements for the sign, I got very excited as I have never created art for something at such a grand scale. I knew that I wanted to submit something fun that captured the multiple interests of teens.”

The Friends of Caledon Public Library, a non-profit, volunteer organization that supports and enhances library services in the Caledon community, awarded Claudia a stipend of $150 for her work.

What’s next for Claudia? “In the future, I hope to study biomedical engineering, neurosciences or aerospace engineering. My favourite courses are math and art, and I always considered careers that follow the more math side of things,” says Claudia. “After creating the artwork for the Albion Bolton Branch, I realized that having art be included in my career would also be great and I have been looking for more opportunities to create since!”

Visit CPL’s Albion Bolton branch to view Claudia’s work, printed and installed by local signage company, Motive Media, and the branch’s new look, if you haven’t already.

Local artists are encouraged to watch caledon.library.on.ca for future opportunities for public art installations at CPL’s branches.

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Getting on Board with CPL

As a new Council term approaches, the Town of Caledon will soon be seeking applications for community members interested in volunteering their time as Caledon Public Library (CPL) Board
Members. This is an exciting time to be involved in CPL’s dynamic evolution in step with our vital and growing community.

With the expanding and reimagined roles of the library in the community, new technologies, services, programs, and spaces provide opportunities that are key elements of our community’s social infrastructure. The Board’s role over the next four years will be to ensure that the library is properlymanaged and effectively positioned to meet the needs of a growing Caledon. The Board is responsible for the governance of the library: developing and reviewing library policies; ensuring that the library is adequately funded to meet the evolving demand for library materials, services, and programs; and advocating on behalf of the library within the community and to Town Council.

The work undertaken by the current Library Board has been varied and fulfilling including the creation of a new strategic Plan “Building the Bridge to Possibilities” and many opportunities to raise awareness of the value of your community library. Work also included the development of CPL’s Master Plan which will be completed this fall and will continue to guide many new initiatives, including the reimagining of our Margaret Dunn Valleywood Branch to offer innovative new services and technologies and the relocation of the Caledon East Branch into the expanded Caledon East Community Complex. The next four years promise to be just as rewarding.

If you are interested and want to learn more about the Library Board and the role and responsibilities ofthe trustees, the current Board members will be hosting panel discussions facilitated by Caledon’s CEO and Chief Librarian, Colleen Lipp. There will be lots of opportunities for questions and answers.

For more information, visit the library website or email your questions to CPLBoard@caledon.library.on.ca .
Information regarding applications will be available soon on the Town of Caledon website.

collage-of-recording-studio-3D-printer-people-on-laptops

Construction to Begin on CPL’s Margaret Dunn Valleywood Collaboration Studio

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Caledon, ON – Caledon Public Library (CPL) is excited to announce that construction will soon begin on the Margaret Dunn Valleywood Collaboration Studio. Thanks to federal and provincial support through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP), along with the Town of Caledon, the space in the Margaret Dunn Valleywood Branch will soon be reimagined into a space offering innovative new services and technologies not yet available anywhere else in Caledon. The modernized branch will house a maker space and recording studio as well as spaces for working, learning, and meeting… and of course books. Our collections will focus on supporting these new services with special collections for local businesses and entrepreneurs and an emphasis on technology, making, and creativity. The renovated branch will also continue to act as a pickup and return location for all CPL materials.

“We are excited that these new services will be delivered in the heart of Valleywood and expect that neighborhood residents will take full advantage of all that will be available on their doorstep,” says Colleen Lipp, CPL CEO and Chief Librarian. “With its easy access to Hwy 10 and the 410, we also see this branch as a destination for all of Caledon.”

Not tech savvy, no worries. There is no need to be an expert. Makerspaces are one of the best ways to learn the skills that are essential today and for the future. Equipped with resources such as computers, 3-D printers, audio, and video capture and editing tools, and traditional arts and crafts supplies, they provide a place where people create, invent, learn together, and build skills for life. Libraries around the world are home to these vibrant learning and innovation hubs for co-creation.

The branch will host many maker, technology, and craft workshops facilitated by both CPL staff and experts from the community. We look forward to collaborating with the Town’s Economic Development and Recreation Teams to offer programs and events for local businesses and residents.

Construction is tentatively scheduled to begin in early November which will require the temporary closure of the branch for a minimum of 3 months. The exterior drop box for the return of library materials will remain accessible. The use of the adjacent community room will not be impacted by the construction and rentals and programs will continue to be managed by the Community Services Department of the Town of Caledon. Please check the website for ongoing updates. During the closure, library staff will be reassigned to serve patrons at other branch locations until such time that we can again open the doors in Valleywood.

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Turning A New Page: Caledon Public Library Celebrates the Re-Opening of the Albion Bolton Branch

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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.

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