Looking for a spark of inspiration? Whether you're an artist, a crafter, a writer or someone who's just looking for indoor activities, the Barrie Public Library has endless ways to get your creative juices flowing!
Explore 7 ways to get creative at the Barrie Public Library:
1. Visit our Creative Spaces
Visit our Downtown Library's Creative Spaces to access sewing machines, 3D printers, a Cricut Maker, a Cricut Mug Press, a button maker, and more! Bring your own materials or purchase them at the library. Be sure to visit our Dream box located on the second floor in the Tinker Lab, for children focused crafts. Most tools and supplies are first-come, first-served, however you need to book the 3D printer and Glowforge printer in advance.
2. Try a Creativebug tutorial
Creativebug offers free online craft tutorials with your library card! Explore their class collections, 25 Days of Christmas and Hanukkah Projects, to get inspiration for your holiday gifts and decorations.
Our staff have picked their favourite tutorials for the holiday season:
- Make Beeswax Celebration Candles
- Cricut Crafts: Nutcracker Cake Topper
- Cricut Crafts: Winter Placemat
- Crocheted Abominable Snowman
- Yarn Birds
3. Get Curious with Library of Things
Why buy when you can borrow? The Library of Things lets you check out everything from craft tools to musical instruments, giving you the chance to try something new without the investment!
4. Browse the 'Make it' featured collection
Unsure what your next crafting or DIY project will be? Visit our Downtown Library to explore our ‘Make it’ featured collection.
Our featured collections consist of non-holdable, new and popular titles. The ‘Make it’ collection features adult non-fiction titles to help you with any creative or DIY project. From books on building birdhouses to knitting socks, come and see what is waiting for you.
5. Try a Digital Library Resource from LinkedIn Learning
Whether you're a seasoned maker or just starting out, LinkedIn Learning offers a variety of courses and tutorials to enhance your skills in graphic design, photography, video editing and more!
6. Try family-friendly activities at Holly & Painswick
If you're a Downtown branch regular, change up the scenery and be sure to check out all the fun and exciting programs and events at Holly and Painswick
Join us every Monday from 10:00-11:00 am for Creative Tales, where you’ll enjoy a story along with a craft, or every Tuesday from 3:30-4:30 pm for After School Adventures where your children can craft, build, play games and more.
7. Create and Connect
Join a library community group, bring your supplies and share your tips and tricks with fellow library go-ers. From Knitting Circle to Ukuele to Chess Club, there's a variety of social groups ready for you to join! To view our upcoming programs and events, visit our event calendar here.
We can't wait see what you create at the library, tag us in your future social media posts for a chance to be featured on our social media channels! All you need to access our creative tools, reads, and resources is a free library card. Sign up for a library membership today.