Donate Online: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/barrie-public-library/campaign/visiting-library-service-expansion/
Those looking to support a local cause during this year’s Giving Tuesday movement can feel good about supporting the Barrie Public Library. As a Giving Tuesday initiative, the Library is launching its Books Across Barrie campaign to further expand its Visiting Library Service (VLS) home delivery to local homebound adults, seniors and seniors’ residences.
“Giving Tuesday is a global movement that falls on the first Tuesday of December, after the traditional shopping-heavy days of Black Friday and Cyber Monday,” explains Katelyn Lees, Philanthropy & Resource Development Specialist with the Library. “It encourages people to give back in the way that works best for them. Our Books Across Barrie campaign is a simple and meaningful way to impact those most vulnerable in our community.”
During the campaign, each $30 donation will buy a new weather-proof book bag for deliveries. Donations can be made in person at either Barrie Public Library branch or online through the Library’s CanadaHelps account. “As demand for our VLS deliveries goes up during COVID, so does the need for durable, easily sanitized bags for those deliveries,” Lees noted.
Laura Lambert, Program and Outreach Librarian at the Library, has seen noticeable growth in the Library’s VLS program over the past 10 months. “Our VLS program has seen a big increase in requests for new patrons this year. We’ve delivered over 650 items to retirement homes since the summer, on top of deliveries to individuals unable to leave their homes due to COVID concerns or mobility issues.”
Lambert projects that as the colder months arrive, the demand for the VLS program will continue to rise. “I believe we are making a positive difference in peoples’ lives with this program. The Books Across Barrie VLS campaign reflects our community’s needs and aligns perfectly with Giving Tuesday.”
Those interested in supporting Books Across Barrie can do so in person, by calling us at 705-728-1010 or online through CanadaHelps. Learn more about the different ways you can donate to support the Library.
