Caledon Public Library going to the birds

October 5, 2016 · 0 Comments

Caledon Public Library has gone wild this summer through a Go Wild Community Grant presented by TELUS.
This national program helps thousands of Canadians connect to nature with grants of $1,000 to $7,000. By investing in projects that protect, restore and celebrate nature, Go Wild is empowering communities to keep nature top of mind and take a leadership role in conserving the natural environment around them.
The library was one of 21 successful third-round recipients and received $2592.10 toward the purchase of 10 sets of binoculars and an additional 10 sets designed just for kids. These will be made available for loan to anyone with a CPL membership.
Why would a library purchase binoculars?
Caledon is blessed with an abundance of opportunities to get in touch with nature. It’s all around and provides unlimited benefits that are essential for a healthy life; yet, it’s so easy to forget, as people spend so much of their time indoors. The more they experience nature, the more they understand how it needs help. These new binoculars, paired with nature books and free local Toronto Regional Conservation Authority (TRCA) and Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) family passes, will be an invaluable new resource for the library and its patrons.
This project marks the Caledon Public Library’s first foray in developing a Library of Things.
“CPL understands that the easiest way to learn something is not always through a book but through experiencing it first-hand,” Library CEO and Chief Librarian Colleen Lipp said. “We see these binoculars as one more tool in your learning toolbox.”
This new service supports the Caledon Public Library’s efforts to develop lifelong learners and engage the community. Not only will this allow for the Library to engage area residents, but will encourage residents of Caledon to engage with the environment around them, keeping in mind that the more they know about the environment around the, the better equipped they are to respect and protect it.
These binoculars will be available for loan at all seven library branches, so that kids and adults alike can get a closer look at birds and other wildlife right in their own backyards. The library is grateful to be a grant recipient and eager to be part of this effort to strengthen our connection to nature. Where nature thrives, so do we all.
TRCA and CVC passes are available now at all library branches, with binoculars and supporting materials arriving soon.
Check a local branch or the Library’s website for updates about this exciting Go Wild project.