Caledon Public Library is seeking new Board members

Members will serve term from 2022-2026

By Zachary Roman

Caledon residents looking to play a key role in shaping the future of the Town's Library system will soon have a chance to apply to do so.

As the new term of Caledon Council will begin on November 15, the Caledon Public Library (CPL) will be accepting applications from Caledon residents interested in volunteering their time as CPL board members. 

The CPL's Communications Manager, Mary Maw, said it's an exciting time to be involved with the CPL as it's a dynamic and vital service that will be growing alongside the Caledon community in the coming years.

“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,” said Maw. 

She explained the role of the CPL board in the coming term will be to make sure the library is in shape to meet the needs of a rapidly-growing Caledon. As well, the board makes sure the CPL is managed properly and is responsible for its governance.

Governance of the CPL means 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 of Caledon Council. 

Some work undertaken by the current Library Board includes the creation of a new strategic plan called “Building the Bridge to Possibilities.”

The Board also worked on the development of the CPL's new Master Plan, which is slated to be complete later this season.  

Maw said the Board is also responsible for guiding innovation and renovation at two branches in Caledon: “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.”

Current Library Board members will soon be hosting panel discussions facilitated by Colleen Lipp, the CPL's CEO and Chief Librarian.

At these discussions, there will be ample time for residents to ask questions. The first discussion is being held at 7 p.m. on November 15 at the Albion Bolton branch of the CPL. The second is being held at 7 p.m. on November 17 at the Southfields Village branch of the CPL.

Maw said the next four years of Library Board work promise to be just as rewarding as the past four, and encourages anyone interested in applying to be a board member to visit the library's website or email their questions to CPLBoard@caledon.library.on.ca.