Quiet learning space at Bolton library dedicated to Lesley Slobodian

By Zachary Roman

Lesley Slobodian was a lifelong learner, believed in what libraries stood for, and touched the lives of those she worked with in Caledon.

Now, there's a space at the newly-renovated Albion-Bolton branch of the Caledon Public Library (CPL) that's dedicated to her. 

Slobodian began working as an administrative assistant with the CPL out of the CPL's Caledon East branch in 2016. CPL's Chief Librarian and CEO, Colleen Lipp, said Slobodian quickly became an instrumental and much-loved member of the CPL team.

Sadly, Slobodian passed away last November after a battle with cancer.

A grand reopening of the Albion-Bolton library branch was held on July 18. There, a room at the branch dedicated to Slobodian was unveiled: the Lesley Slobodian Quiet Study Space.

Slobodian's husband, Malcolm De Souza, said the gesture is an honour his wife would have appreciated.

“She loved the library so much. Everywhere we traveled we always stopped and looked at libraries in different countries,” said De Souza. “She loved books. We have a ton of books at home… she loved the library, when she got the job that was her… dream job.”

Slobodian's daughter, Grayce, agreed and said that naming a study space after her mother was a beautiful honour. 

“I think she would have absolutely loved it because as my father mentioned, she adored libraries, but also what they stood for. She was so encapsulated and enthralled by the fact that they really uplift and support their communities,” said Grayce. “They're here to help and to create space for lifelong learning… my mom had continuously done lifelong learning.”

Grayce said her mom really stood for building community and building the support systems people need to be able to continuously learn. She added her mom wanted everyone to have access to resources like the internet, which the CPL provides.

De Souza noted Slobodian was a big part of the CPL's impact report and that she loved helping the community. He added that his wife completed a bachelor's degree while working full time with the CPL; that's how dedicated to learning she was.

Grayce spoke to the crowd gathered for the reopening on July 18, which included members of the Slobodian family and Slobodian's friends.

Grayce explained her mom passed on her love of libraries to her when she was very young.

When Grayce was little, her mom would always take her to the library and let her take out as many books as she wanted. Grayce said she often walked out holding a big stack of books.

“I think if there's anything that she would have loved to get across… is that no matter how old you are, continue learning. It is so important and so beautiful,” said Grayce. “No matter how old you are, no matter what stage you are in your life, or wherever you are, just continue learning.”

Lipp said as she and the CPL thought of how best to honour Slobodian's memory and contributions to the library, there was no better way than to name the new quiet study space in Bolton in her honour. 

“It seemed fitting as Lesley was committed to lifelong learning, undertaking a Bachelor's degree as a mature student — ultimately completing her degree while also working full-time at the library. She sought out opportunities for professional development and completed a number of courses to expand her knowledge about libraries and municipal finances,” said Lipp. “The Lesley Slobodian Quiet Study Space will ensure that we still have a little bit of Lesley here with us.”