The Barrie Public Library (Library) is proud to be a recipient of the Community Foundations of Canada’s grant for the Healthy Communities Initiative. The $31 million investment from the Government of Canada will support communities as they adapt public spaces to respond to the new realities of COVID-19.
The Barrie Public Library will receive a total of $72,128 for our BPL On the Go mobile outreach initiative.
“We are eager to connect with the community in exciting new ways, reach new members, and expand services,” said Sandra Sydor, Manager of Community Engagement. “From Storytimes in the park to computer workshops at senior residences, we want to support our growing community.”
The Barrie Public Library is no stranger to finding creative ways to reach the community. Throughout 2021, the Library offered a variety of unique outreach initiatives, from StoryWalks® and shared community garden plots, to visits to elementary school playgrounds and book deliveries to senior assisted living residences.
“After two years of a global pandemic, we recognize that outreach will require a new approach to meet people in their neighbourhoods with safe activities that slowly build back social interactions,” notes Lauren Jessop, CEO at the Barrie Public Library. “We want to extend our sincere appreciation to the Barrie Community Foundation and Community Foundations of Canada in seeing the value in our BPL On the Go initiative and the impact it will have on our community,” Jessop continued.
The Barrie Community Foundation is a public foundation that builds and manages endowment funds to support charitable activities in Barrie and area. It is one of 191 community foundations throughout Canada that reviewed grant submissions for the Healthy Community Initiative.
“This project from the Library responds to the pandemic by being more accessible to everyone. People need the Library, so the Library is going to them – in parks, seniors’ residences – where the people are. What a great way be a bigger part of our community. Our goal at Barrie Community Foundation is for everyone to belong – this is it,” says Marshall Green, Chair of the Barrie Community Foundation.
Stay up-to-date with the library’s outreach initiatives by subscribing to our monthly e-newsletter. Learn more about the Healthy Communities Initiative.
The Canada Healthy Communities Initiative Funded by the Government of Canada.
