makerspace Archives - Caledon Library

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Opening the Doors to Collections and Creativity with Caledon Public Library’s New Caledon East Branch

Caledon Public Library News art, Caledon East, Caledon Public Library, innovation, library, makerspace, new

Caledon, ON – With the official Grand Opening Celebration of the expanded Caledon East Community Complex, Caledon Public Library (CPL) celebrated the relocation of the Caledon East Branch to the delight of the community on September 16, 2023.

“Now found at 6215 Old Church Road in Caledon East, all can enjoy more space and full-service hours, within easy access to recreation amenities including a gym, walking track, pool and twin ice-pads.”, states Colleen Lipp, Caledon Public Library’s CEO & Chief Librarian. “As our community grows, we continue to effectively respond to the needs of our residents.”

The Caledon East Branch has collections for children, teens and adults, spaces for customers to bring their own device or to borrow a laptop for use in the branch at its bar seating, comfortable lounge chairs and tables, four small meeting rooms and a wonderful children’s area with plenty of floor space for programs. Not only does CPL have collections in the branch and online, library card holders can also borrow audiobooks, videogames, DVDs and graphic novels. Check out CPL’s Library of Things where members can take out guitars, dhol drums, GoPros, hotspots, park passes and so much more! Contrary to what many may think, there is no need for you to be quiet while in the Library. It’s a lively space where all can meet and chat with friends and do group work – though the branch does offer some study rooms for those who would like a little quiet.

“Libraries are no longer simply a place where you retrieve content, they are a place where you create and share your own content.”, states Tony Maxwell, Caledon Public Library Board Chair. “The inclusion of the new Cory Trépanier Creativity Studio truly reflects CPLs’ commitment to its values of innovation and creativity.”

The Cory Trépanier Creativity Studio is named after Caledon resident and world-renowned oil painter, filmmaker and explorer, known for his passionate portrayal of Canadian landscapes. Cory’s legacy includes encouraging artists to fearlessly follow their creative dreams, he urged his audience to connect with nature as a source of inspiration and self-discovery. The studio celebrates the marriage of art and innovation and provides the community with access to emerging technologies and maker tools including 3D printers, a laser cutter, a green screen, sewing and embroidery machines and tools to empower and encourage creativity.

“I’m so excited to see how this creative studio can inspire and house the next generation of artists and makers in Caledon, and I hope that Cory’s story and infectious optimism and sense of adventure will continue to inspire all who move through this space to explore both the natural beauty of Caledon and their own endless creative potential,” said Andie Trépanier, artist and eldest child of Cory Trépanier. “It’s so moving and meaningful to see Cory’s legacy featured in a communal space where his story can continue to inspire the next generation of creators.”

This Creativity Studio isn’t just a collection of tools; it’s a catalyst for innovation and artistic interpretation. It’s a space where a child’s curiosity can transform into a lifelong passion for science or art. It’s a place where people of all ages can learn new skills, from sewing to photography, from digital design to basic engineering principles, and apply them in meaningful ways. Ultimately, the Cory Trépanier Creativity Studio represents a commitment to the growth and development of our community. It’s an investment in our future, fostering a generation of thinkers, artists, creatives, and problem-solvers.

Caledon Public Library truly has something for everyone. Be sure to visit the new Caledon East library branch and the Cory Trépanier Creativity Studio.

CPL Celebrates the Opening of the Margaret Dunn Valleywood Collaboration Studio

Caledon Public Library News Caledon Public Library, Collaboration Studio, makerspace, Margaret Dunn Valleywood, new

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.