Barrie Public Library

Site: Barrie - 60 Worsley St

Service: Downtown Branch, Barrie - 60 Worsley St

Record #: BAR4024
Last Modified: 28 Jul 2023
Last Full Update: 29 Mar 2021

Description

Description (Service) COVID-19 Update
  • For updated information visit: Service during COVID-19
  • Both the Downtown and Painswick locations of the Barrie Public Library are open for in-person visits with spaces and services updated to support the health, safety and comfort of all visitors
    • in-person service will include mandatory face coverings, physical distancing practices, strict cleaning protocols with ongoing sanitization of high traffic surfaces and the quarantining of returned materials
    • browse the aisles for books, movies and more or get help from staff, to quickly find what you need
    • access the digital library with a 60-minute session on the public computers or with your own device and free
      wi-fi
    • printing, scanning and photocopying as well as wireless and remote printing is available
    • in-library visits should be brief and no longer than an hour to ensure equitable access to our entire community
  • Book an appointment for low contact Express Pickup of material
  • Return slots are open 24/7 at both locations,, please note that returned material will be quarantined for at least 3 days before they are checked in
  • there are no late fees for overdue items
  • virtual programs
  • To get up-to-date and accurate information regarding the COVID-19 outbreak and how you can reduce the spread of the virus access the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit
Regular Service
Provides informational, recreational and cultural resources for all ages

Resources/Services include:
  • books, magazines, compact discs, newspapers, maps, DVDs, Electronic books, downloadable audiobooks, magazines and movies, and Internet access (including wireless)
  • online databases on many topics available through the library website and from computers within the library
  • multilingual materials
  • computers with Office 2007 (Word, Excel, Powerpoint) and internet access are available for public use
  • Brainfuse HelpNow online tutoring available with Library membership. Knowledgeable tutors provide help in a wide variety of subjects like math, science, social studies, English language arts, and Canadian and world history. Tutors are available every day from 2 pm-11 pm and can provide help in English and French from elementary to postsecondary
  • 2 accessible workstations are available with Office 2010
  • Talking Book Service, Large Print Book Collection, and CELA materials available to library users who, due to a visual, physical, or learning disability, cannot use conventional print materials
  • Library newsletter is available through the website in a version for the visually impaired
  • print Braille for children
  • specialized unit which magnifies print material for the visually impaired
  • a walker and a wheelchair are available to use in the library
  • Visiting Library Service available to individuals who cannot visit the library in person
  • local history collection, including local newspapers on Microfilm/fiche, Births/Deaths/Marriages indexes, microfilm/fiche reader/printers at Downtown Branch
  • musical instrument library in partnership with the Huronia Symphony Orchestra at Downtown Branch
  • library collection of the Ontario Genealogical Society, Simcoe County Branch at Downtown Branch
Programs include:
  • programs for children and teens including children's storytime programs, Teen Writers Group and Summer Reading Programs
  • programs for adults including internet and email workshops, workshops to introduce specialized online resources, as well as information sessions on many topics from health to travel to business
  • book clubs for adults, teens and children are offered September-June
  • library tours, please book in advance
Information Barrie
  • operates as a community information and referral service
  • maintains the Information Barrie Community Directory of community organizations/services including non-profit agencies, government offices, health services, clubs and special interest organizations, volunteer opportunities, daycare services and support groups in the Barrie area
  • Directory is available through the library website, see separate record
Annual Barrie Dragon Boat Festival
  • held in August and involves Dragon boat races and land-based activities in support of this event
  • the Festival is in support of Barrie Public Library plus other local charities

Ontario Library Week (formerly Ontario Public Library Week) is in October

Canadian Library Month is the month of October

Chief Executive Officer is Lauren Jessop, lauren.jessop@barrielibrary.ca

Service Details

Public Comments Bus Service to Barrie Public Library DowntownThe nearest bus stops to the library are:
Hours
  • Mon-Thu 9:30 am-9 pm
  • Fri-Sun 9:30 am-5 pm
  • closed on Sun of long weekends
  • Library board meetings held monthly from Sep-Jun, meetings open to the public
Areas Served Barrie ; Oro-Medonte
Eligibility
  • No age restrictions
  • must have membership card for borrowing privileges
  • Free library membership available for people who:
    • Live in Barrie or Oro-Medonte
    • Work in Barrie
    • Study in Barrie
    • Own property or a business in Barrie
    • Attend or work at Georgian College
    • Live in Midland or Orillia and have a current library membership at Midland or Orillia Public Library
Application
  • Apply in person or online for a library card here to access our digital library
  • for all memberships, current name and address identification must be provided
  • additional identification may be required for some membership types
Languages French - Interpretation, Publications, depending on availability of staff
Fees Service - Can join for a fee if outside of the eligibility for a free membershipNone - For people who live in Barrie or Oro-Medonte, work in Barrie, study in Barrie, own property or a business in Barrie, attend or work at Georgian College, live in Midland or Orillia and have a current library membership at Midland or Orillia Public Library

Address and Location

Located In Community Barrie
Address & Map
60 Worsley St
Barrie, ON
Canada L4M 1L6
Physical Access Fully Accessible

Contact Information

Office Phone 705-728-1010
Fax 705-728-4322
E-Mail AskUs@barrielibrary.ca
Website www.barrielibrary.ca/
Social Media Facebook Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/barriepubliclibrary
Twitter Twitter: https://twitter.com/BPL_inthecity
YouTube YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/barrielibrary
Primary Contact Luke McKee, Manager, Downtown Library and Virtual Services; Email: luke.mckee@barrielibrary.ca
Alternate Contact Sandra Sydor, Manager, Community Engagement; Email: sandra.sydor@barrielibrary.ca
Primary Executive Alison Schroeder, Director, Customer Experience; Email: alison.schroeder@barrielibrary.ca
Mailing Address 60 Worsley St 
Barrie, ON 
Canada L4M 1L6

Agency Overview