Caledon Public Library announces retirement of Public Service Director

March 21, 2024 · 0 Comments

Kelley Potter has worked for the CPL since 1995

By ZACHARY ROMAN

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A longtime employee of Caledon’s library is starting a new chapter in her life.

On March 22, the Caledon Public Library (CPL) announced its Public Service Director, Kelley Potter, was retiring.

CPL staff, and the CPL’s board of directors, said Potter is an invaluable colleague and friend who will be greatly missed at the CPL. Her last day of work was March 22.

Colleen Lipp, CPL’s CEO and Chief Librarian, said Potter’s contributions to the library have been immeasurable.

“Most recently, her commitment to ensuring positive experiences for our customers is evident in the creation of new and reimagined branches and the development of CPL’s ‘Customer Service Promise’,” said Lipp. “Kelley’s legacy and impact on CPL will be long felt and her compassionate approach to leadership will be missed.”

Potter worked as a library page in high school and, in 1985, worked briefly for the CPL coordinating branch inventory. She returned to work for the CPL again in 1995 and worked there for the rest of her career.

Some of the roles Potter worked in throughout her career include youth services coordinator, youth services manager, manager of lending services, public service manager, and director of public service.

Potter said she’s most proud of a number of initiatives she helped create, such as the Young Reels Film Festival and Elizabeth Scavetta Memorial Teen Short Story Contest. She’s also proud of all the recent renovation and building projects completed by the CPL recently — there have been four in the past three years.

Additionally, Potter said she’s proud of how the CPL managed the pandemic. She said everyone did their best to communicate as much as possible and make library patrons feel safe during a time of chaos and uncertainty.

Potter said it’s been amazing to watch her colleagues’ careers over the years.

“I’m pleased when I look around the organization today to know that I had a hand in hiring a number of the staff who are still here at CPL, particularly as I’ve watched them grow both professionally and personally over the years,” said Potter.

Tony Maxwell, Chair of the CPL’s Board of Directors, said he and the rest of the Board want to give thanks to Potter for her years of service.

“I’d like to extend our gratitude to Kelley for her unwavering dedication to excellence and her significant contribution to the development of CPL as the esteemed institution it has become today,” said Maxwell. “We extend our heartfelt wishes for a fulfilling and joyful retirement ahead.”

Now that she’s retired, Potter plans to spend more time with family and friends, especially her children and grandchildren. She’s also hoping to travel more and dedicate time to her celebrant business, where she performs weddings and funerals.

Potter said she feels gratitude for her experience working with the CPL.

“I’m so grateful for the years of learning and friendship from so many great staff members, and while it wasn’t always easy, it was always worth it,” said Potter.