Here we grow again! The Holly Community Library officially opened its doors on Friday, August 5, 2022. 

Libraries build strong neighbourhoods, and we are so excited to bring books and online information, programs, study and work spaces, computer access, free Wi-Fi, and more, all in a convenient location.

Our goal is to make the Barrie Public Library as convenient, accessible, and relevant to our community as possible. We look forward to meeting you in our new space!

Holly Community Library Hours

Monday - Thursday: 9:30am - 9:00pm
Friday - Sunday: 9:30am - 5:00pm

Learn more about our Holly Community Library. 

Quick Facts

• 555 Essa Road, Unit 17 (in the Food Basics plaza)
• 4500 square foot boutique space
• Beautiful and flexible shelving and furniture
• Open 7 days/week

The Collection

To meet the needs of a vibrant and diverse community, the collection at our Holly Community Library will include nearly 40,000 general interest, popular, and recreational titles for adults, children, and teens. We will also incorporate our Featured Collections, with easy-to-browse categories like Home, Pets, Romance, and more. 

Stay in the Loop

Want to stay updated on our progress? Sign up for our Holly Community Library e-newsletter. We will send you an email when we’ve got exciting news and milestones to share. 

Background and History

The Barrie Public Library has a long, rich history in Barrie. Our story began as the Mechanic’s Institute in 1854, when Barrie boasted a population of about 500 people. The library grew with the city over the decades, calling various buildings and locations home until our current Downtown Branch was constructed in 1996. 

In 2012, during our 150^th anniversary year, we opened the Painswick Branch in the Yonge and Big Bay Point area. This community library brought library services to an underserved area and was warmly welcomed to the neighbourhood. After nearly 10 years in operation, the Painswick Branch underwent a refresh in 2021, bringing in a new discovery-layout that makes it easier to browse and find what you’re looking for. We are thrilled with the vibrant, flexible and beautiful new space, and can’t wait to see this reflected in our Holly Community Library.

We were thrilled when Barrie City Council approved a Holly Community Library in 2021. After nearly two years of planning, design, and construction, we received occupancy from the City of Barrie on July 22, 2022 and opened our doors on August 5.