Library visits increase by 64 per cent in 2023

By ZACHARY ROMAN

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Visits to local libraries are up. 

At a May 21 Caledon Council meeting, the Caledon Public Library's (CPL) Chief Librarian and CEO Colleen Lipp presented the CPL's 2023 annual report to Council. 

“On behalf of the board and staff of the Caledon Public Library, I am excited to… highlight all that CPL has accomplished over the last year,” said Lipp. “In 2023, Caledon's active library membership grew by 17.4 per cent over 2022. The number of residents visiting our branches increased by an impressive 64 per cent.”

Lipp said the total number of items borrowed from Caledon's libraries in 2023 increased by 9.9 per cent from 2022, and the use of digital resources increased by 14.4 per cent.

Between use of the CPL's maker technologies — like Cricut machines and 3D printers — and internet hotspots, use of the CPL's technology services increased by a whopping 110 per cent.

In 2023, the CPL released its long-term growth plan to prepare for a period of growth and change in Caledon.

Also in 2023, the CPL opened the Margaret Dunn Valleywood Collaboration Studio, a reimagining of Valleywood's library branch that saw it transformed into a state-of-the-art makerspace; and, relocated the Caledon East CPL branch to the Caledon East Community Complex and opened the Cory Trépanier Creativity Studio there. 

The relocation of the Caledon East branch led to a drastic increase in library visits.

Other highlights of the CPL's work in 2023 include partnering with the Town of Caledon to host the Caledon Creative Arts Festival, expanding multilingual collections, and expanding the “library of things” which lets residents check out things like drums and guitars.

The CPL hosted almost 900 programs in 2023 with a combined attendance of over 14,500 between them. The CPL was proud to host a drag queen storytime and said it was a fun and welcoming event where families learned about diversity and inclusion.

Lipp said she wanted to thank CPL staff for their continued hard work and commitment to expanding the CPL's services. She also thanked the CPL's board of directors and Caledon councillors for their support. 

“We look forward to our continued collaboration with our municipal colleagues and to engaging Town Council and staff as we develop our new strategic plan,” said Lipp.

The CPL is currently in the early stages of planning its next branch, which will be built in Mayfield West and serve as a community hub. 

After Lipp's presentation, Councillors had a chance to provide remarks.

Ward 5 Councillor Tony Rosa said he finds it really impressive how the CPL has made its library branches into true community hubs.

“When you look at the numbers that you're showing when it comes to the number of programs being offered, the number of attendees that are actually taking part in these programs, the number of visits to the library… it really is exemplary, and it speaks to the need,” said Rosa.

He said he visits the Bolton CPL branch quite often and said it's a great 21st century library that is welcoming and provides a wealth of programs and services.

“On behalf of the community, thank you for everything that you are offering,” said Rosa.

Ward 4 Councillor Nick de Boer said he wanted to congratulate the CPL for its success in moving the Caledon East branch and seeing a 600 per cent increase in visits there.

“Thank you very much for making that vision turn out better than I could have ever imagined,” said de Boer.