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​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

Provides free access to current, reliable health information and resources

• collection of books, pamphlets and computers with internet access (computers temporarily unavailable for public use)
• Library professionals and volunteers are available to assist clients find information they need
• visit www.rvh.on.ca/patients-visitors/health-library for more information and to access trusted and reliable health related information from IMD Health
• fiction and non-fiction book sale carts available, money raised is used to purchase health-related and medical texts for the library

If visiting the hospital:

• See Visitor Information
• See Parking and Transportation Information
• See COVID-19 Information

COVID-19 Response

• 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
• group study room and a silent study room
• community meeting room available for rental, see separate record
• 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
• specialized unit which magnifies print material for the visually impaired
• Visiting Library Service for individuals who cannot visit the library in person

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
• Information Barrie database of community organizations 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

Offers

• summer reading incentive program for children
• Story Time program includes sharing stories, finger plays, crafts, and songs
• movies
• speakers, crafts and other programs for adults
• other programs offered seasonally
• call or visit website for further information

A public library offering

• books, E-books, magazines, videos, dvds, local newspapers, access to numerous on-line databases
• inter-library loan service
• photocopies, scanning and fax services, free wireless internet access
• summer reading program for children
• celebrates Ontario Public Library Week in October
• meeting room available for rental
• is an Active Fun Kit location, providing hockey sized bag of Active Fun Kits

Library is open to the public operating under a Browse, Borrow & Go model which means:

• In-person visits are welcome but should be kept to 30 minutes or less.
• Computers will be available for one 50 minute session per person, per day
• Curbside pickup is still available
• All patrons (except those who are exempt) must wear a mask when coming into the Library or picking up curbside materials

Offering:

• large collection of books, magazines, World Languages collection
• DVDs, Blurays, audio books, video games, internet terminals and wireless (wi-fi)
• computer training lab
• children's programs for 0-12 years of age
• adults and seniors programs
• lounge areas, quiet study and meeting rooms, room rentals
• performance space
• homebound services available
• creative tools and software available through hackLAB and digital mediaLAB
• seed library
• dog licenses
• parking passes
• photocopying/faxing

For a complete list of programs offered, visit Browse, Borrow & Go for more information

Extreme Cold Warming Centre - On days when the temperature dips to -15° Celsius or below and/or a weather advisory is released, the library will be available as a warming centre during regular operating hours

A public library offering:

• books, magazines, videos, dvds, WII games, books on CD, and MP3 formats
• photocopies, faxing
• free wireless internet access
• inter-library loan service
• summer reading program for children
• celebrates Ontario Public Library Week in October

Resources include traditional reading materials, e-books and e-resources.

Other programs and services include:

• Seed Library: Borrow seeds using your library card. At the end of the growing season you may choose to save some of your seeds and return them to the library.
• Kitchen Library: Lending collection of kitchen gadgets, tools and appliances to borrow on your library card.
• Children's Programs: Summer Reading Program, Story Time and Ontario Early Years for pre-school children
• Adult Lifelong Learning Programs
• meeting room space is available for use by community groups and for private rental when the library is closed

For a complete list of programs offered, visit Essa Public Library

Library is open to the public operating under a Browse, Borrow & Go model which means:

• In-person visits are welcome but should be kept to 30 minutes or less.
• Computers will be available for one 50 minute session per person, per day
• Curbside pickup is still available
• All patrons (except those who are exempt) must wear a mask when coming into the Library or picking up curbside materials

Offering:

• large collection of books, magazines, World Languages collection
• DVDs, Blurays, audio books, video games, internet terminals and wireless (wi-fi)
• computer training lab
• children's programs for 0-12 years of age
• adults and seniors programs
• lounge areas, quiet study and meeting rooms, room rentals
• performance space
• homebound services available
• creative tools and software available through hackLAB and digital mediaLAB
• seed library
• dog licenses
• parking passes
• photocopying/faxing

For a complete list of programs offered, visit Browse, Borrow & Go for more information

Extreme Cold Warming Centre - On days when the temperature dips to -15° Celsius or below and/or a weather advisory is released, the library will be available as a warming centre during regular operating hours

Provide access to a library collection of physical and digital resources

Resources include:

• Community Garden
• Kitchen Library
• Maker Area with 3D printer and Vinyl printer
• Books and Audiobooks for toddlers, children, youth, and adults
• DVDs for all ages
• electronic resources and e-books
• free internet access and wireless (wi-fi)
• book clubs

Seed Library

• Borrow seeds using your library card. At the end of the growing season, you may save and return some seeds to the library

Kitchen Library

• Lending collection of kitchen tools and appliances to borrow on your library card. Donations of kitchen items are accepted at both Angus and Thornton branches

Children's Programs

• Storytime for preschool children
• French Storytime
• Summer Reading Program for children age 3 to 12 years
• For more kids programs, view our website

Tweens

• Tinker Tuesdays
• For more tween programs, view our website

Young Adult Programs

• Teen Community Connections (TCC) group meets Fridays from 2:30 pm-3:30 pm
• Check the website calendar for latest news

Adult/Seniors Programs

• Lifelong learning on a variety of topics
• Homebound Library Service
• Hobby Circle Drop-in on third Thursday of each month from 6 pm-7 pm
• French Conversation Circle on Tuesdays at 1pm
• Two bookclubs - call for availability
• Simcoe Reads
• Essalicious event to celebrate the harvest

Local artistic talent displayed at library

For a complete list of programs offered, visit Essa Public Library

Recreational community library containing over 30,000 volumes with titles in both French and English. Collection includes music CD's, DVD's, videos, French and English magazines, books on military history and strategy, as well as classic literature, popular fiction, crafts, health, sports, biography, and local history. Large collection of children's fiction available with approximately 10,000 titles in French and English. Small reference section, a TV, computer and Internet access available. Board games and chess available.

Library is open to the public operating under a Browse, Borrow & Go model which means:

• In-person visits are welcome but should be kept to 30 minutes or less.
• Computers will be available for one 50 minute session per person, per day
• Curbside pickup is still available
• All patrons (except those who are exempt) must wear a mask when coming into the Library or picking up curbside materials

Offering:

• large collection of books, magazines, World Languages collection
• DVDs, Blurays, audio books, video games, internet terminals and wireless (wi-fi)
• computer training lab
• children's programs for 0-12 years of age
• adults and seniors programs
• lounge areas, quiet study and meeting rooms, room rentals
• performance space
• homebound services available
• creative tools and software available through hackLAB and digital mediaLAB
• seed library
• dog licenses
• parking passes
• photocopying/faxing

For a complete list of programs offered, visit Browse, Borrow & Go for more information

Extreme Cold Warming Centre - On days when the temperature dips to -15° Celsius or below and/or a weather advisory is released, the library will be available as a warming centre during regular operating hours

Public library offers:

• large print books
• DVDs and audio CDs
• electronic resources
• Video games
• on-line ordering of print and audio visual materials
• computer work stations
• internet access and free wireless (wi-fi)
• pre-school storytime sessions
• AV equipment available for rent
• reading programs
• special events
• March break and Summer Reading program
• Baby Time

Public library

• materials in print and various other formats
• digital resources including community information, research sources, e-books for children and adults, and downloadable audio books
• adult, youth and children programs
• computers
• access to internet and free wi-fi
• visiting library service

Other service locations
Peter Gzowski Branch -- 5279 Black River Rd, Sutton 905-722-5702 Pefferlaw Branch -- 76 Pete's Lane, Pefferlaw 705-437-1514

COVID-19All branches of Springwater Township Public Library are closed due to COVID-19. All materials have been extended until April 14. Please see our website www.springwater.library.on.ca and our Facebook page for updates and activities. Our digital services are available 24/7.

Offers

• books, magazines, videos, local newspapers
• inter-library loan service
• free wireless internet access
• summer reading program for children, pre-school storytime ,a variety of other activities for all ages
• photocopies, fax and internet access
• offering one-on-one computer tutorials available from time to time throughout the year
• celebrates Ontario Public Library Week in October
• is an Active Fun Kit location, providing hockey sized bags, or Active Fun Kits, supplied by the Simcoe County Good for Life committee, filled with various physical activity equipment (basketballs, parachutes etc.)
• meeting rooms available for community use at a small fee, call to book.

Provides community members and visitors with opportunities for learning, socializing and self-improvement.

Services include:

• free public computers, printing services and wi-fi access
• rental of the community room

Programming:

• lifelong learning programs for adults
• assistance with digital devices including Tech Help
• early literacy and tutoring programs
• Monthly Arts & Crafts and STEM Club programs for children and more
• adult literary programs like Friday Afternoon Book Club, Bring Your Own Book Club, and the Wasaga Beach Writers Club
• a summer reading club for all ages

In the Community:

• Little Free Library Bookhouses - provide residents with the chance to take a book and leave a book
• Two Storybook Trails: one from 40th Street to Meadowlark Boulevard and a second from Silverbirch Ave to Bush Cres to encourage families to read, exercise and explore together
• Books on Wheels delivers collection items to shut-in residents

Library Collection:

• a collection of things to borrow including baking pans, Tablets for Seniors, Launchpad tablets, movie binge bags, storytime kits, musical instruments
• access to more than 30,000 items including books, DVDs, audio books, digital databases and tablets
• access to specialized items for individuals with disabilities - braille, audio books and Daisy disks
• access to books from other Ontario libraries

Click,Connect! Immigration Assistance site. Provides newcomers with private area and a laptop to connect to an online immigration facilitator, as well as access to a scanner for any documents that need to be sent to the facilitator

Public library, information and resource centre:

• books
• periodicals
• DVDs, videos and CDs
• large print collection
• audio books
• Statistics Canada reference material
• local history reference material
• business directories
• photocopying
• inter-library loans
• free internet access and wireless
• shut-in service available
• children's programming
• meeting space available with capacity for 30 with kitchen facilities

For a complete list of programs offered, visit New Tecumseh Public Library for more information

Extreme Cold Warming Centre

On days when the temperature dips to -15° Celsius or below and/or a weather advisory is released, the library will be available as a warming centre during regular operating hours

Assistance is available for residents to access transportation to and from warming centres in New Tecumseth

To access this assistance, please call CONTACT Community Services at 705-435-4900 ext 212 Mon-Fri 9 am-4:30 pm or S.H.I.F.T. Outreach at 705-890-8173 on evenings or weekends

Public library services, community programs

Library offering a community gathering place providing access to knowledge, ideas, and cultural experiences.

The library provides:

• Material and assistance, informational, cultural and recreational materials and programs, and engages in resource sharing with other libraries through cooperative agreements. The Local History collection includes historical newspapers and an archives database
• Collection of books, DVDs, video games and WiFi hotspots for borrowers with a library card
• Special Collection of audio books and audio book readers for print disabled library borrowers
• Free WiFi, computers and printing and scanning
• Other services include a housebound service for seniors and others unable to come to the library
• Children's programs include storytime, craft, and reading programs with special programs for March Break and Summer
• Teen programs include Teen Advisory Group, craft group and book discussions
• Adult and Senior programs include computer tech, board games, book club and drop-in cafe
• Other programs include Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) free for low-income individuals, Seedy Saturday, Chess, Jazz Festival, Family Saturdays, and one-on-one computer help

For a complete list of programs offered, visit Bradford West Gwillimbury Public Library

Extreme Cold Warming Centre

On days when the temperature dips to -15° Celsius or below and/or a weather advisory is released, the library will be available as a warming centre during regular operating hours

Cooling Centre

On days when a Heat Alert is issued by Environment and Climate Change Canada, the library will be available as a cooling centre during regular operating hours

Serves families and children up to grade 8.

Available to browse or borrow are books, magazines, CD's, Books on CD, children's videos and DVD's.

The variety of programs offered includes Book Babies, Tales for Two's and Three's, Preschool Stories and Drop-in Family Storytime.

For school-age children, the library hosts summer and March break programs, as well as various other programs through the year.

For youth, the library offers many programs and volunteer opportunities.

COVID-19 Closed

Volunteer run program with all proceeds going towards library programs

• Small paperback (pocket books) $1
• Older hardcover/softcover $2
• Children's large books $2
• Children's small books $1 DVDs $2
• Newer hardcover/softcover (as marked)

The library offers a book collection of over 125,000 volumes covering every interest

• eight newspapers
• approximately two hundred magazine subscriptions
• computer databases online
• 15 internet stations
• public wifi, automated local newspaper index
• trade directories and other information resources for business
• telephone directories from across Ontario
• career and job search information
• consumer information, including car buying guides and auto repair manuals
• publications from federal, provincial & municipal governments including legal & statistical materials
• local history & genealogy resources, including back issues of Orillia newspapers on microfilm from 1867 to the present

A Community Outreach service is available for those unable to come to the Library

Website, using your library card, you may access the information on over 50 databases to which the library subscribes, providing specialized information in medical health

• literary criticism
• poetry
• newspapers
• general reference
• download music, movies, magazines and ebooks

A scanned version of the William Sword Scrapbook provides a pictorial history of early Orillia. And you may link to the OurOntario database to see many photos of early Orillia

The Children's Department serves families and children up to the grade eight level

Public library offers:

• large print books
• DVDs and audio CDs
• electronic resources
• video games
• on-line ordering of print and audio visual materials
• computer work stations
• internet access and free wireless (wi-fi)
• pre-school storytime sessions
• AV equipment available for rent
• reading programs
• special events
• March break and Summer Reading program
• adult book club

Public library offers:

• large print books
• DVDs and audio CDs
• electronic resources
• video games
• on-line ordering of print and audio visual materials
• computer work stations
• internet access and free wireless (wi-fi)
• pre-school storytime sessions
• AV equipment available for rent
• reading programs
• special events
• March break and Summer Reading program

Public library, information and resource centre:

• books
• periodicals
• DVDs, videos and CDs
• large print collection
• audio books
• Statistics Canada reference material
• local history reference material
• business directories
• photocopying
• inter-library loans
• public access computers, free internet access and wireless
• shut-in service available
• children's programming
• meeting space available with capacity for 30 with kitchen facilities

For a complete list of programs offered, visit New Tecumseh Public Library for more information

Extreme Cold Warming Centre

On days when the temperature dips to -15° Celsius or below and/or a weather advisory is released, the library will be available as a warming centre during regular operating hours

Assistance is available for residents to access transportation to and from warming centres in New Tecumseth

To access this assistance, please call CONTACT Community Services at 705-435-4900 ext 212 Mon-Fri 9 am-4:30 pm or S.H.I.F.T. Outreach at 705-890-8173 on evenings or weekends