Barrie Public Library

Barrie Public Library
Type library system of Barrie, Ontario
Established 1862 (1862)
Coordinates 44°23′30.1″N 79°41′17.2″W / 44.391694°N 79.688111°W / 44.391694; -79.688111
Branches 2 (Downtown & Painswick)
Collection
Items collected business directories, phone books, maps, government publications, books, periodicals, genealogy, local history,
Website library.barrie.ca

The Barrie Public Library is the library system of Barrie, Ontario with two branches. The Downtown Branch is located at 60 Worsley Street in downtown Barrie, near City Hall. The Painswick Branch is located at 48 Dean Avenue, near Yonge Street and Big Bay Point Road.

The Library branches are community hubs, providing spaces to study, meet up with friends, take part in free programs or borrow some materials. Library members can borrow movies, TV shows, books, audiobooks, and magazines. Stream or download movies, TV shows, e-books, e-audiobooks, e-magazines and e-comics from the Digital Library.

How to get a Library Card [1]

Residents: All residents of Barrie and Oro-Medonte can register for a free library card. Visit either branch and bring your current photo identification with name and address and one piece of proof of address. Non-residents that own property in Barrie or Oro-Medonte may also get a library card by showing a current property tax bill and identification.

Businesses and Nonprofits: Corporations, businesses and non-profits in Barrie and Oro-Medonte may request a corporate card that gives full access to all library services for business purposes.

Students: Georgian College students and faculty may get a library card by showing their Georgian Library card and student ID. Similarly, BPL members can show their library card and proof of Barrie address at the Georgian College Learning Commons to get a Georgian College library card.

Members of other Libraries: The Barrie Public Library has borrowing agreements with the Midland and Orillia public libraries. Bring your Midland or Orillia Public Library card to either one of the Barrie Public Library branches, along with proof of your Midland or Orillia address, and you'll get a Barrie Public Library card free of charge. Similarly, BPL members can show their library card and proof of Barrie address to get a membership at the Midland and Orillia public libraries.

Visitors: Visitors may sign up for a temporary library card while staying in Barrie or Oro-Medonte.  These library cards are provided for a period of 3 weeks, with a $20 deposit that is refundable upon return of all borrowed material. To register for a Visitor card, please bring identification with name, address and birthdate, as well as the address of the lodging or cottage.

Library Services [2]

Computers: Computers at both branches are available to library cardholders to use for up to 180 minutes each day. The computers have Microsoft Word, Publisher and Excel.

WiFi: Wi-Fi is available for free throughout both buildings.  There is no password – just connect to the Barrie Public Library network and accept the user agreement.

Photocopying and Printing: Photocopying (colour and black & white) and printing (black & white only) is available at both branches for 25 cents per sheet. Scanning to email is also available.

Silent Study Rooms: Available at both branches, space is on a first-come, first-serve basis. There is no talking, eating and drinking, or listening to music loudly. If you are working on a group project, both branches have tables and chairs available throughout the library for you to sit down and work together.

Room Rental: The Massie Family Program Room at our Painswick Branch is available to rent by the public. The fee is $60 per hour for businesses and $40 per hour for individuals. There is no charge for non-profit organizations. [3]

Tech One-on-One: Have a tech question or issue you need help with? Register for a Tech One-on-One and a staff member will sit down with you to help answer your questions.

Cafe and Book Boutique: Enjoy a beverage or small snack from the Café located at the Downtown Branch located in the lobby. You can also buy used books for $0.50 each, which is a donation to the library.

Visiting Library Service: This free service is available to anyone in Barrie or Oro-Medonte unable to visit the library in person. Staff will help you make book selections, and library volunteers will deliver the library materials to your home. [4]

Library Tours: Library tours are available to schools, community groups and the general public. Tours provide an overview of library services, resources, programs and facilities, and can be customized to meet the needs of your group. Tours are generally 45 minutes in length, and are also available in French.

Information Barrie: Information Barrie is a community information and referral service, bringing people and services together. Search the Community Information Database to find services available in Barrie and surrounding area. The database has over 3000 entries covering a wide range of topics, and includes information about non-profit agencies, government offices, health services, clubs and special interest organizations, volunteer opportunities, daycare services, support groups and listings for many private counsellors and counselling services in the Barrie area. [5]

History

The library system was incorporated in 1862, and the first reading room was established in 1871.[6]

Services

  • Information and reference services
  • Access to full text databases
  • Community information
  • Internet access
  • Reader's advisory services
  • Programs for children, youth and adults

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Get a Card - Barrie Public Library". Barrie Public Library. Retrieved 2018-05-16.
  2. ↑ "Library Services - Barrie Public Library". Barrie Public Library. Retrieved 2018-05-16.
  3. ↑ "Room Rental - Barrie Public Library". Barrie Public Library. Retrieved 2018-05-16.
  4. ↑ "Visiting Library Service - Barrie Public Library". Barrie Public Library. Retrieved 2018-05-16.
  5. ↑ "Information Barrie - Barrie Public Library". Barrie Public Library. Retrieved 2018-05-16.
  6. ↑ "Our History". Barrie Public Library. Retrieved 4 October 2011.
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