Construction on Valleywood branch of Caledon Public Library to begin soon

Upgrades to include a makerspace and recording studio

By Zachary Roman

Valleywood residents will soon have a cutting-edge facility right on their doorsteps.

The Caledon Public Library (CPL) has announced construction will soon begin on the Margaret Dunn Valleywood branch of the CPL, transforming it into the Margaret Dunn Valleywood Collaboration Studio.

When complete, the branch will play host to a makerspace, which boasts tools like 3-D printers, audio and video recording and editing equipment, and traditional crafting supplies.

The branch will also be home to a recording studio and various meeting and collaborative work spaces — and the books will still be there too.

Mary Maw, the CPL's Manager of Communications, explained the upgrades to the Margaret Dunn Valleywood branch of the CPL are being made possible thanks to the federal and provincial government through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, and the Town of Caledon.

“Our collections will focus on supporting these new services with special collections for local businesses and entrepreneurs and an emphasis on technology, making, and creativity,” said the CPL in a statement. “The renovated branch will also continue to act as a pickup and return location for all CPL materials.”

Colleen Lipp, CPL's CEO and chief librarian, Colleen Lipp, said she's excited the services offered at the Margaret Dunn Valleywood Creation Studio will be available on Valleywood residents' doorsteps.

“We are excited that these new services will be delivered in the heart of Valleywood…” said Lipp. “With its easy access to Highway 10 and the 410, we also see this branch as a destination for all of Caledon.”

Maw said makerspaces are one of the best ways for people to learn the skills needed in an ever-changing modern world. She said people don't need to be an expert to come to a makerspace to create, invent, learn, and build skills.

The CPL plans to host a variety of maker, technology, and craft workshops at the upgraded Valleywood branch. It also plans to collaborate with the Town of Caledon's economic development team to host events for local businesses, and with the Town's recreation team to host events for residents.

Construction on the branch is set to begin in early November, meaning the branch will be closed for a minimum of three months. The exterior drop box at the branch will still be available for use, and the community room adjacent to the branch will also still be available.

Maw said, during the closure, library staff are happy to serve Valleywood residents at the CPL's other locations.