Your Barrie Public Library membership helps you live more sustainably! By borrowing, repairing, and swapping from the library instead of buying new, you can save money and reduce waste.
Here are six ways to be sustainable at the library:
1. Borrow instead of buy
Why buy when you can borrow? Our Library of Things collection offers everything from board games and musical instruments to bike repair kits and digitization kits. Need a ukulele for a weekend jam or a gardening kit to plant something? Check it out instead of buying new.
2. Fix what you own
Don’t toss it; repair it at BPL’s Repair Café! The Repair Café, in partnership with Living Green Barrie, connects you with skilled volunteers who can help you fix broken small appliances, mend clothing, and repair household items. Extending the life of your items reduces waste and saves you money.
This event takes place multiple times throughout the year, and the next one is April 5 from 10 am to 1 pm at the Downtown Library. Registration is recommended, drop ins welcome!
3. Swap what you don’t use
Refresh your supplies and keep items out of the landfill. Join us at the Downtown Library for upcoming swaps:
Houseplant Swap (April 12, 2 to 4 pm) - share your indoor plants or cuttings to get a new green friend!
Craft Supply Swap (May 10, 2 to 4 pm) - exchange leftover crafting materials and connect with fellow local crafters.
4. Grow your own garden
Pick up free seeds from our Seed Library to start your own backyard vegetable and herb garden. The Seed Library is a collection of seeds that are available for community members to borrow and grow for free! You can find it at all three locations while supplies last.
And don’t forget to pick up some books for gardening inspiration and instruction! Browse our gardening book list.
5. Teach yourself new skills
Empower yourself with knowledge! Borrow books and digital resources to learn skills like composting, upcycling, and DIY home repairs. The library has the resources to help you learn something new.
6. Explore local nature
Enjoy the great outdoors for free with your library card! Borrow an Ontario Parks Vehicle Permit and a Wye Marsh Family Day Pass from our Library of Things. Spending time in nature encourages a deeper appreciation of the environment.
You can also find us at the City Nature Challenge with the City of Barrie at Dorian Parker Centre on April 25 from 10 am to 2 pm. We’ll be kicking off the challenge to document wildlife in our city.