Site news!

As we get closer to reaching our million dollar goal to build the first Branch Library in south Barrie, activities are starting at the location site. The construction trailer has arrived and this week safety fencing was being installed. No doubt the big pieces of equipment will soon start to follow.

Everyone here at Barrie Public Library is so excited to be ... Branching Out for our community!
Ann

Ground breaking!

What a great morning!

This morning was the official sod turning at the site of the first Branch Library here in Barrie, and we saw quite the crowd gathered to watch. The Acting Mayor (Alex Nuttal) was there with a shiny silver shovel, and he was ably assisted by Catherine Virgo (Chair of the Barrie Public Library Board), Tim Johnston (Chair of the Branching Out capital campaign), Councillor Andrew Prince and Councillor Lynn Strachan, and Al Davis (CEO and Director of Library Services).
[Photograph shows Campaign team and Board members]

The sun shone brightly on a fun and successful event, with many eager members of the public, campaign benefactors, City staff, Library staff, Board members and volunteers all watching from the sidelines. (Make sure to watch A Channel and Rogers Television tonight, and see tomorrow's newspapers for coverage of the event.)

Afterwards we adjourned next door to The Terraces at Heritage Square for a reception that allowed time for questions and viewing of the building designs.

Everyone here at Barrie Public Library is so excited to be ... Branching Out for our community!
Ann

Branch design on display at BPL!

Hello everyone,
Last Thursday's Open House with ZAS Architacts sharing the Branch Library design with the public was a great success and we heard many positive comments on the proposed design. If you could not make it out to the Open House you can still see the designs. Large versions are on display at the Downtown Library (look on the Main Floor near the elevator) and you can also view them here on our Branching Out website at this page

Our Branching Out campaign gains momentum and the excitement continues to build. Make your donation today through the Branching out website or in person at the Downtown Library.

Everyone here at Barrie Public Library is so excited to be ... Branching Out for our community!
Ann

Branch Library design

Very exciting news everybody!

South-end Branch Library
Architect’s Open House

The preliminary design concepts are ready! Everyone is invited to join us at this Open House to view the plans for the south-end Branch Library.

Thursday, November 12
7pm – 9pm
At St. Peter’s Secondary School
201 Ashford Drive (Yonge Street & Ashford Drive)


Everyone here at Barrie Public Library is so excited to be ... Branching Out for our community!
Ann

Design news from the project team

Our project team was pleased with the comments they received at our public information meeting and through the comment sheets.

We’ve heard that you want a library that welcomes all ages of the community from young children through seniors, providing spaces geared to different age groups. There was interest in having space both for programs and events and space for quiet study. Your library should combine the latest in technological resources with a comfortable welcoming environment.

You also want a library that connects to the community it is located in, providing information on local events and resources. The library you envision is aware of the environment and takes advantage of opportunities to be green. You want the library to relate to its physical surroundings and be connected to the outdoors.

We are working on space planning for the library now, using the input provided by our patrons and community members, as well as library staff.

The new library branch will be built to a minimum of LEED Silver standards (an environmental measurement that takes into account how the building is built as well as ongoing operational activity).

We look forward to coming back to the community in the fall with a plan that brings together all the ideas you’ve given us to make your library a place we can all find welcoming.

Shonna Froebel,
Project Team Library Representative
Manager, Adult Information Services - Barrie Public Library

Architects named!

What exciting news this week!
Everybody here at Barrie Public Library (BPL) knows we've moved a step closer toward the creation of a new library branch in Barrie’s south end with the naming of ZAS Architects as the architecture firm for the project.

Paul Stevens, principal architect with ZAS, told me that his company believes "libraries are one of the key building blocks of creating vibrant, sustainable communities”, and that "this project points to a bright future for library users in Barrie". He also said that they are absolutely delighted to be working with Barrie Public Library and the City of Barrie on the design of the new Painswick Branch. In turn, the Branch Library project team are pleased to be working with a company that has such a great view of libraries.

ZAS Architects has been responsible for numerous high-profile public projects across the country and around the world, including several libraries. The firm was recently acknowledged by the Ontario Library Association for its work on the St. James Town Public Library in Toronto. Catherine Virgo, Chair of the Board of Trustees here at BPL, is confident that by working with ZAS and consulting with local residents, we will create a modern, welcoming library space that will make our library services accessible to more Barrie residents than ever before.

To help achieve this an Open House is scheduled on Thursday, July 23rd from 7pm – 9pm at the South Shore Community Centre, 205 Lakeshore Drive, to introduce the architectural firm heading up the project and acquire preliminary feedback from the public to move forward with the architectural concept and design stage of the project. We hope to see you there!

We're so excited to be ... Branching Out for our Community