New strategic plan among 2021 Caledon Public Library accomplishments

Annual report video was recently shared by library

By Zachary Roman

The Caledon Public Library (CPL) wants to build the bridge to possibility.

CPL communications manager Mary Maw announced April 13 that the Library's annual report video for 2021 had been released, detailing what the CPL did and worked on that year. In 2021, over 300,000 items were borrowed from the Library. Over 341,000 people visited the library's website, an increase of 35.8 per cent.

The CPL permanently eliminated fines in 2021, installed a new library catalogue, and reopened its Albion Bolton branch after renovations. It also welcomed a 44 per cent increase in new customers.

In a media release, CEO and Chief Librarian of the CPL Colleen Lipp said 2021 presented challenges. But with those challenges, she said, came opportunities to re-examine the status quo at the library and set a clear direction for the future.

“Most notably this included the shared work of the library board and staff in developing our new strategic plan — ‘Building the Bridge to Possibilities'. This plan will guide our efforts to grow and innovate in response to community needs, to celebrate Caledon's unique and diverse culture, and to demonstrate CPL's value to those who live, work and study in Caledon,” said Lipp.

“We are inspired by our new mission and excited to show you how we empower community connections, spark innovation and creativity, and energize the transfer of knowledge.”

Some new additions to the library the video highlights include: dhol drums, travel adaptors, life jackets, Ontario park passes and nature backpacks. These items are part of the CPL's “library of things” collection.

The video also highlights upcoming projects such as the Southfields Village Reading Garden, the collaboration studio at the Margaret Dunn Valleywood branch, and the reopening of the renovated Albion Bolton branch.

The CPL's 2021 annual report video was narrated by Jocelyn Martin of 102.7 Moose FM, filmed and edited by Bolton's Lucky Element Media, and featured original music by Carri One Music Production. The video is available on the CPL's Youtube channel.