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

Breaking ground!

At 10 a.m. on Tuesday, March 30 you are invited to join our Branching Out Campaign Chair, your Library Board, Campaign Team, plus Library and City staff as we venture forth to break ground for the first Branch Library in Barrie. Please join us at the site on Dean Avenue for the official sod turning, followed by a light reception at The Terraces at Heritage Square (right next door).

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

What excitement on Sunday night as the grand finale of the Tranter Institute's "Dancing with the Stars - Barrie" event reached a glamorous conclusion and Tara Dawn and Clark were declared winners of the first trophy! Lynn Strachan and Lou came a very close second with tension running high.

Everyone here at the library is heartened when community support such as this comes to the fore, with individuals and businesses putting on their own events to help build the first branch library in Barrie. Our sincere thanks to Monica and all at the Tranter Institute.

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

Ice cream cakes for Branching Out!

Help raise funds for the first Branch Library with Marble Slab Creamery!

Buy an ice cream cake on Saturday, December 5th and Marble Slab Creamery will give $5 to the Branching Out campaign

Yummily delicious - and helpful too!!! Enjoy!

Dancing ...

The energy was running high last night at the Southshore Community Centre during the Tranter Institute's "Dancing with the Stars Barrie" event! Local celebrities once again took to the stage alongside their dance professionals in front of a wildly appreciative audience, and a great time was had by all.

Barrie Public Library says a huge thank you to the Tranter Institute for creating and putting on this event with proceeds going to the Branching Out campaign to build the first branch library in Barrie's south end. Monica and her team have done a great job, with an exciting finale yet to come. Your generosity is much appreciated - thank you!

If you haven't been able to get out to "Dancing with the Stars Barrie" on Tuesdays nights during November don't despair - there's still a couple more opportunities to join in the fun. You can go to the Open House being held at the Tranter Institute on December 5th, from 1pm - 3pm. Or you can still get tickets for the Final Competition & Gala Event being held at the Georgian College Theatre on Sunday, December 13th. General admission and V.I.P. tickets are still available and can be purchased at the Tranter Institute or at the Library. Check out the Tranter Institute website for full details ... then get out there dancing!

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