The Guelph Public Library (GPL) has released the 2025 Annual Report, providing a highlight of popular programs, services, and resources including metrics on Library visits, circulation numbers, digital resources, and programs.
- 806,302 in-person visits system wide
- 1,854,421 online visits
- 29,914 unique borrowers
- 2,129,555 checkouts, including books, digital collections, and Library of Things
The day with the highest in-person traffic was April 29, 2025 at 4,064 visitors, which coincided with polling stations for the federal election. On average, the Library received 2,278 in person visits every day, with the busiest days being Mondays and Tuesdays between 12 and 4 p.m.
“This year’s annual report gives a robust overview of our collections, programs, and services that continue to be popular among our patrons and the community at large,” says Michelle Campbell, Deputy CEO. “We continue to see a growing popularity of our digital resources and programs that help patrons explore and connect.”
Areas of growth
Online visits were up 69 percent, with 1,854,421 website and catalogue visits. In addition, the newly-created GPL app received 620 downloads in the month of December after launch between Apple and Android users. Daily technology use, which includes website, catalogue, online resources, Wi-Fi and computer use together, saw a 41 percent increase.
Circulation of digital resources is on the rise with an eight percent increase in checkouts of e-books and e-audiobooks, as the Library temporarily shifts some of its collection to digital resources in preparation for moving to the new Central Library.
Top circulating materials
Patrons checked out 2,129,555 physical and digital items from the Library’s collection. The busiest day for circulating materials was June 30, 2025, the first day of summer break for elementary students.
The most popular items from the Library of Things include mobile hotspots, Ontario Parks Passes, binoculars, disc golf sets, and Samsung Tablets. Through a partnership with the Guelph Seed Library, 16,000 seeds were distributed to plant food and native plants.
Bridging the digital divide
The Library continues to build upon services, programs, and collections that provide equitable digital access to patrons to connect with resources they need.
- 61,082 people accessed our Wi-Fi, either at a branch or nearby
- 52,872 computer sessions accessed
- 2,240 checkouts of Library technology patrons take home
- 95 checkouts of technology patrons can use in branch
- 167 requests for tech help at the Main Library, totaling 36.5 hours
Building early literacy skills with free programs
Free Library programs saw an increase of three percent in attendance with 36,281 attendees. Our most popular programs include Bouncing Babies, Shake, Rattle, and Read, Counting Contest, Early ON, and Books and Hooks, which reflects the Library’s dedication to programming that supports early literacy. The Library continues to develop community partnerships that expand service points to patrons.
A collaboration with Service Canada in 2025 led to the launch of monthly Mobile Clinics where patrons can drop in and get help from a Service Canada representative to answer questions about Social Insurance Numbers, employment insurance, Canada Pension Plan, Canada Pension Disability Plan, Old Age Security, passports, and the Guaranteed Income Supplement.
Media contact
Michelle Campbell, Deputy CEO
Guelph Public Library
548-855-0408
mcampbell@guelphpl.ca