ANNUAL REPORT 20
A Message from Margie Singleton, CEO of Vaughan Public Libraries
There are few places as special in a community as libraries. They nurture curiosity in children, provide students with spaces to focus and grow, support job seekers and entrepreneurs, and offer a welcoming, inclusive environment for all.
In a world that can sometimes seem too complex, libraries offer a key to understanding, unlocking new horizons, and finding joy in creativity and the written word. They enrich lives, inspire new ideas and transform communities.
These very values form the basis of our mission, and 2025 marked a banner year as our system grew, while we diversified our collections, services and programming. The opening of the new Carrville Library expanded access to modern library services in a rapidly developing area. At the same time, we remain committed to improving our service to existing neighborhoods, and the revitalized Woodbridge Library is proof of this. After extensive renovation, we’ve delivered refreshed spaces designed to meet the evolving needs of the community.
Our collections and services continued to expand, reflecting the diversity and dynamism of our growing city. Programming thrived across all age groups, from early literacy initiatives that help children build strong foundations, to engaging sessions for teens and adults. Health and culinary literacy programs saw strong participation, encouraging better health habits, and bringing people together through the delicious medium of food. A focus on older adults increased access to social, educational and technology programs that support wellbeing and inclusion.
VPL’s Vision Statement
Enrich Inspire Transform
VPL’s Mission
Vaughan Public Libraries
offers welcoming destinations that educate, excite and empower our community.
Partnerships with schools and community organizations deepened, introducing more residents to library resources and ensuring services remain responsive and relevant. Throughout all our efforts and projects, innovation remained a priority, because we know that a world-class library system embraces new formats, changes with the needs of its customers, and provides flexible community spaces.
Above all, our dedicated team continued to create warm, welcoming destinations where people gather, learn and connect. In 2025, Vaughan Public Libraries not only did we keep pace with a growing city, but we also helped to create a stronger, more informed and more connected community.
Enjoy!
Margie
Library Usage Snapshot
2.8 million physical items borrowed
3.2 million visits to VPL’s website
2.0 million in-person visits
555,000 customer questions answered
430,000 Wi-Fi sessions
520,000 digital items borrowed
Which is equivalent to either:
• 82 Children’s books
• 66 Children’s programs
• 47 Novels • 171 Magazines
• 48 Board Games Benefit per cardholder: $1,497 • 20 Video Games • 28 E-audiobooks
28 DVDs • 14 Hours in the recording studio OR
10 Hours one-on-one with a librarian
For a young entrepreneur
Making prototypes in VPL’s maker space, plus entrepreneurship programs and all the access to the books you need to launch your business.
For a family with young children
For an older adult
A place to sit and stay awhile, enjoy the newspaper and connect with friends.
Free access canlook like...
Afternoon storytimes at the library, connect with other new parents and borrow a new book for storytime every single night of the year.
For a student
A safe place to connect with friends, do homework, work late during exam season, and access the latest games to kick back and relax.
Physical items include:
563,359 PHYSICAL ITEMS 428,000 Books 62,798 DVDs 8,500 CDs
4,267 Audiobooks
39,351 DIGITAL ITEMS
9,257 Video Games
13,939 Magazines
7,543 Non-Traditional Items*
*Includes items like technology, tools, board games and culture passes.
Materials are available in 19 languages!
Vaughan Public Libraries offers programs for all ages and interests. Here are just some of our 2025 highlights…
32,825
31,798 enjoyed early literacy and storytime programming attended family and children’s programming
1,962 participated in STEAM activities
6,000 students visited afterhours study halls
1,833 people entered our kitchen this year to enjoy a range of delicious culinary programming
230 people have attended health literacy programs
1,419 people relaxed with the Therapy Dogs
15,730 attended programs for adults
1,291 older adults joined in a range of activities from hikes to drumming circles
A total of 90,000+ program attendees at 3,400+ programs!
We added even more items to The Lendery (a library of things), and hosted a number of popular exhibits, including The Money in 10 Questions exhibit.
We provided Providing access to popular attractions like:
4,700+ Culture Passes
• Royal Ontario Museum
• Black Creek Pioneer Village
• McMichael Canadian Art Collection
• Ontario Parks
2,368 Group Visits + more!
We were also active in reaching schools and community groups with:
13,381 Outreach Participants
3,350 Welcome Baby Kits
were distributed to babies born at Mackenzie Health Vaughan Hospital.
394 Volunteers
contributed hours to programs like, Chess in the Library, D&D, ESL Conversation, Fun with French, Reading Buddies and Tech Tutor 1-on-1.
Now Open
Woodbridge Library & Carrville Library
Carrville - Our 14th Library
Woodbridge - Updated & Expanded
Coming Soon: New Library at
OUR STAFF
Our greatest strength is the remarkable staff who constantly inspire us with their creativity, dedication, and commitment to their community.
EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT TEAM
From left to right: Christine Fiorini (Deputy CEO Corporate Services), Aleksandra Dowiat Vine (Deputy CEO Growth & Communications), Margie Singleton (Chief Executive Officer), Lisa McDonough (Deputy CEO Customer Experience).
2023 - 2027 THE VAUGHAN PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD
Front row from left: Manjit Kaur, Palma Pallante, Gary Sangha (Board Chair), Margie Singleton (CEO), Antonella Nicaso (Vice Chair), Akash Goyal (2023 - 2024), Sara Camilleri
Back row from left: Richard Wu, Denise Da Ros-Presutti, Chris Ainsworth, Loreta Pavese, Mario Ferri, Marilyn Iafrate, Adriano Volpentesta, Lauri Hewitt, Mario G. Racco
Absent: Carol Herzog (2023 - 2024), Harpreet Rindi (2023 - 2024), Steven Del Duca (2024 - ), Cini Joseph (2025 - ), Gila Martow (2025 - )
ABOUT THE LIBRARY
Vaughan Public Libraries respectfully acknowledges that our libraries were built upon the Territory and Treaty lands of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation per the Toronto Purchase agreement or Treaty 13. We also recognize we are situated in the traditional territory of the Huron-Wendat and the Haudenosaunee who occupied this land before the arrival of European settlers.
The City of Vaughan is currently home to many First Nations, Inuit and Métis people. We acknowledge their contributions to the life and prosperity of this land. As representatives of the people of the City of Vaughan, we are grateful to have the opportunity to work and live in this territory. We acknowledge we must do more to learn about the history of this land so that we can better understand our roles as residents, neighbours, and caretakers of this City.
