Report shows CPL provides $19.5 million in value to Caledon

By ZACHARY ROMAN

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A new report from Caledon's library puts a monetary value on its impact in the community. 

On November 1, the Caledon Public Library (CPL) released results of a study it conducted on its economic impact to the Town.

The study and corresponding report were created using the Valuing Ontario Libraries Toolkit (VOLT), which was developed by the Ontario Library Service and the NORDIK Institute, a research hub that's affiliated with Algoma University. 

According to the CPL's report, last year, the CPL delivered a total economic value of nearly $19.5 million to the Caledon community. That equates to $3.31 for every municipal dollar invested in the CPL. 

With a municipal investment in the library of $77 per resident, the CPL found a return of $254 per resident ($822 per household).

A news release from the CPL notes the library evaluated categories like education, economic development, social inclusion, well-being and culture in its report. 

CPL CEO Colleen Lipp said it's a common misconception that libraries are free services. 

“CPL is supported by municipal tax dollars collected from residents and businesses in Caledon,” she said in a statement. “These calculations demonstrate that a dollar invested in the Caledon Public Library is a dollar well spent.”

Tony Maxwell, Chair of the CPL's Public Library Board, said the Board has been very excited to share the results of the new report as it puts a tangible value on library services. 

“Libraries are vital community hubs… the VOLT assessment helps us tailor library services to the needs of the community so we can deliver the greatest economic value possible,” said Maxwell in a statement. 

The entire “Valuing Caledon Public Library” report is available on the CPL's website, caledon.library.on.ca.

In other CPL news, the library recently celebrated a flag raising at Caledon's Town Hall. 

On October 24, a flag celebrating the CPL was raised at Town Hall to recognize Love Your Library Month and Ontario Public Library week.

The CPL noted the celebration highlighted how the library serves as the “heart of the community” and provides essential resources and welcoming spaces for all. 

Regional Councillor Mario Russo was acting mayor at the flag-raising ceremony.

The CPL said the event “demonstrating its commitment to enhancing the quality of life for all Caledon residents, the library is more than just a place to borrow books; it is a vital community hub where individuals can gather, learn, and connect.”