For Immediate Release - February 27, 2025

The Guelph Public Library (GPL) has released their 2024 Year in Review, an annual report that provides insights into how the community makes use of programs, services and resources at the Library

Over 800,000 people visited a Library branch in person in 2024 and just over 1 million more visited the Library website or catalogue digitally. Large areas for growth in the past year include a five percent increase in daily customer service inquiries, an 11 percent increase in makerspace users, and a 28 percent increase in program attendance.

“In the last year, the Library’s programming team has helped bring over 35,000 people to our spaces for free programs that serve a range of ages and needs from our community,” says Meg Forestell-Page, Manager of Public Services. “This past year we really focused on developing our adult program offerings. The Library offers everything from knitting, learning English, book clubs, and writing workshops. There is something for everyone here at the Library and we’re grateful to community partners who help make some of these creative programs possible.”

Patrons checked out 2,217,944 physical items and just over 400,000 e-resource sessions this year. This includes books, but also popular items from the Library of Things like disc golf sets, headphones, Ontario Parks passes and WIFI hotspots.

Building bridges in the community

Beyond the statistics of everyday use, the Library has added services brought on by community changes and needs of patrons. That includes enhanced access to harm reduction tools like contraceptives in Library washrooms, Naloxone training for staff and the community, and BRAVE sensors installed in public washrooms that can detect medical emergencies.

“The biggest thing I hope the community takes away from this review is that the Library is listening to community needs and responding to that information in remarkable ways,” says Dan Atkins, CEO of GPL. “Listening and acting is how we will build trust, foster belonging, engage curiosity in patrons and build a resilient community – together.” 

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