Friends of Caledon Public Library Archives

Friends of Caledon Public Library

Community Turns Out for Caledon Seedy Saturday with Special Guest Frankie Flowers

Caledon Public Library News Caledon East, Caledon Public Library, Community, Friends of Caledon Public Library, innovation, library, seedy saturday

Caledon, ON – More than 300 community members gathered on Saturday, March 7 at the Caledon East Community Complex for Caledon’s annual Seedy Saturday, a lively celebration of gardening, sustainability, and community connection. The free, family-friendly event was presented by Caledon Public Library together with Albion Hills Community Farm and Palgrave United Community Kitchen.

Visitors explored a vibrant mix of local vendors and community organizations, browsed seeds and gardening resources, and took part in hands-on activities for all ages. Popular features included the Bring a Plant / Take a Plant table, a café with refreshments, a Friends of Caledon Public Library book sale, and opportunities to connect with local groups focused on gardening, food sustainability, and environmental stewardship.

A highlight of the day was a special presentation by gardening expert Frank Ferragine, better known as Frankie Flowers, who shared seasonal gardening tips and stories that kept the audience both laughing and learning. His appearance was made possible through the support of the Friends of Caledon Public Library.

“Seedy Saturday is a wonderful example of how the library brings people together around shared interests,” said Colleen Lipp, CEO and Chief Librarian of Caledon Public Library. “From first-time gardeners to lifelong green thumbs, events like this create space for learning, connection, and community pride. We’re grateful to our partners and the Friends of the Library for helping make it possible.”

The Friends of Caledon Public Library funded Frankie Flowers’ visit through proceeds raised at their popular book sales throughout the year.

“Our book sales support programs and opportunities that bring the community together,” said Victoria Edwards, President of the Friends of Caledon Public Library. “It was incredibly rewarding to see so many people come out to Seedy Saturday and enjoy Frankie Flowers’ talk. Knowing that all our Friends helped make this happen makes it even more exceptional!”

For Frankie Flowers, the event reflected the spirit of community that gardening naturally creates.

“Gardening has always been about more than plants; it’s about people,” said Frankie Flowers. “When communities gather to share seeds, ideas, and inspiration, it helps everything grow a little stronger. It’s wonderful to see so much enthusiasm for gardening right here in Caledon.”

Seedy Saturday continues to be a valued annual tradition thanks to the dedication of local partners and volunteers.

“Every year we see neighbours, families, and gardeners come together to learn from each other and celebrate growing food and flowers locally,” said Karen Hutchinson of Albion Hills Community Farm. “That sense of connection is why we continue to host Seedy Saturday; it brings the community together around something positive and hopeful. It is great to be part of this pan-Canadian tradition.”

For more information about library programs and events, visit caledon.library.on.ca.

Caledon Public Library Receives $6,000 Donation from Friends

Caledon Public Library News Caledon Public Library, Community, Friends of Caledon Public Library, fundraiser, library

Caledon, ON — Caledon Public Library (CPL) is pleased to announce a generous $6,000 donation from the Friends of Caledon Public Library, raised largely through the Friends’ popular book sales. The donation will directly support accessible services, engaging community programming, and hands-on creative learning opportunities for residents.

Thanks to this contribution, Caledon Public Library will be able to:
• Purchase nine (9) Envoy Connect Players, supported by the Centre for Equitable Library Access (CELA). These portable devices enable people with print disabilities to enjoy accessible audiobooks, supporting inclusive access to reading and lifelong learning.
• Welcome renowned gardening expert Frankie Flowers as a keynote speaker at the Library’s upcoming Seedy Saturday event on Saturday March 7, enhancing an already popular community gathering.
• Expand the Library of Things with new maker equipment, giving customers the opportunity to borrow innovative tools and technologies for use at home or in their business.

“The Friends of Caledon Public Library play a vital role in helping us enhance services and programs that matter to our community,” said Colleen Lipp, Library CEO and Chief Librarian. “Their ongoing support allows us to invest in accessibility, creativity, and memorable experiences for library users of all ages. Since 1995, the Friends have donated well over $200,000 to Caledon Public Library.”

The Friends of Caledon Public Library is a non-profit, volunteer organization dedicated to supporting and enhancing library services across Caledon. In addition to coordinating book sales, the Friends have sponsored writing contests and have helped fund a wide range of library materials and improvements, including musical instruments, furniture for reading areas, book club sets, and more.

“The Caledon community has been very supportive of our book sales and fundraising efforts,” said Victoria Edwards, President of the Friends of Caledon Public Library. “People are helping by purchasing books, donating books, and volunteering, and they are also making monetary donations and sharing their passion for the Library. I’m proud and grateful to be part of a group that, with the support of Caledon residents, is ensuring the Library can offer important services and resources to the community.”

Consider becoming a Friend today. Membership is just $10 per year and helps ensure that Caledon Public Library remains a vital and meaningful community asset.