Library News

Saturday, August 19^th was a beautiful day on Kempenfelt Bay as close to 700 paddlers took their energy to the water and paddled in unison to support of various charities! This year, the Festival welcomed 26 teams from various businesses, charities, government offices and groups of friends, of whom cumulatively raised $47,000.00 (and counting!) for various charitable organizations, including the Barrie Public Library’s Future Branches Campaign.

A change is coming to the Ontario Curriculum this fall, and the library is here to help! In response to the Right to Read inquiry report that was released by the Ontario Human Rights Commission in 2022, the Ontario government has revamped how students in Grades 1-3 are taught how to read.  

The 19th annual Barrie Dragon Boat Festival hosted by Barrie Public Library and presented by Tim Hortons is set to return to Heritage Park this Saturday, August 19. Featuring 26 teams from local businesses, charitable organizations, groups of friends and more, there is bound to be lots of excitement and friendly competition taking place on and off the water! 

It’s Dragon Boat Month at the Barrie Public Library and we have lots of exciting programs, activities and events planned for you!

We cannot believe it has already been 1 year since we opened the doors of our Holly Library! With 24,957 checkouts, 4252 members who call Holly their home branch (2899 of which are new members to the Barrie Public Library), it's safe to say this new location has made a splash in its first year.