Many people count down to the holidays in December, but the Barrie Public Library is counting down for a different reason this year. December is Kindness month and BPL is launching a month-long public program to talk about, encourage and spread acts of kindness, hope and generosity throughout Simcoe County.
BPL’s Month of Kindness launches on Tuesday, November 30—which also happens to be Giving Tuesday, a national day dedicated to giving back—and concludes on December 31. Throughout the month, the Library is offering a large variety of intriguing programs, guest speakers, crafts, inspiration and information, ensuring that there will be something for everyone in the community. Whether learning about Laughter Yoga on December 17, picking up a Grab and Go craft for the kids on December 11, watching an interview with the founder of Barrie Families Unite talk about the “Hate has no home here” campaign on December 8, learning about Holiday traditions from other countries on December 20 and December 22, or entering our Colouring Contest, there will be no shortage of entertaining, thought-provoking and actionable ideas to consider.
The Library’s commitment to this initiative was sparked by a recent study done by the Carnegie UK Trust, which looked at what can be done to encourage kindness in communities, organizations and public policies. Chantale Boileau, Program and Outreach Librarian with the Barrie Public Library elaborates: “The study found that kindness can be a building block for healthy and growing communities. Since so many in Simcoe County already consider libraries as ‘kind places’, this seemed like a perfect initiative for us.” Boileau adds, “Part of our job is to bring folks together to build social connection, reduce isolation and loneliness and develop friendships within our neighbourhoods. The month of Kindness seems like a perfect fit for us in that sense!”
Boileau invites the community to join the Library on its journey to Kindness. Each day the Library will be highlighting a different way to spread kindness, care and compassion within the community.
Prepare for BPL Kindness Month with these kindness resources:
- Check out Barrie Public Library’s full calendar of events
- Read more about the Creating Space for Kindness Study
- Consider making a donation on Giving Tuesday