Have your say on Barrie’s newest library

Oscar Gluckman, 4, carries a book for his mother to read to him at public library on Fri., June 25, 2010 (AP Photo/LM Otero)

City of Barrie staff want your opinion on a new library planned for the city’s northwest end.

On behalf of the Barrie Public Library, a new survey has been uploaded to accept the public’s response and suggestions for new programs, space allocation and crafts and events they would like to be included in the build.

“We are really excited to hear from the community to help guide our planning process,” said Lauren Jessop, CEO of the Barrie Public Library. “Every community is unique, so this will help us determine what programs, services and spaces are most needed by residents in the area.”

Survey participants will be entered to win one of two exciting prizes: a pair of Apple AirPods for ages 13 -to-18 and an Apple iPad Mini for ages 19-plus.

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Last December, Barrie city council staff to forward a business case for a community library in Northwest Barrie.

In January, council gave its approval to fund the library. The funding will cover design, layout, community consultations, and demographic analysis to address the needs of the 26,000 residents in the area, including 5,000 youth.

The new branch will offer literacy support, programs for all ages, computers, Wi-Fi, and a community space for work and study.

Officials are considering a smaller library, similar to the Holly library, which opened in 2022 and has been highly successful.

The deadline to have your say is June 16. Paper copies of the survey are also available at all library locations.