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Frequently Asked Questions
Where will the Branch Library be?
On Dean Avenue, at Big Bay Point Road and Yonge Street. View the location map.
How big will the Branch Library be?
The Branch Library will be 15,000 square feet, approximately a third of the size of the Downtown Library.
Will the Branch Library provide the same services as the Downtown library?
The Branch will be a full service branch library providing similar services as the Downtown Library. However, some services will be "rationalized" (such as special collections, Genealogy, etc.) with the downtown location and some services may also be scaled to size. Every effort will be made for the Branch Library meet the community needs of south Barrie.
Will the Branch Library be open the same hours as the Downtown library?
As a full service Branch the Library will be open approximately the same number of hours as the downtown location but, to meet individual community needs, the specific hours of opening may differ from the downtown location.
Will all the same programs be taking place? For example, the children’s programs, Mother Goose, etc.
There will definitely be children’s programming at the Branch Library, plus programmes for adults, seniors and teens. They may not be exactly the same as at the Downtown Library as they will be designed to meet the needs of the community.
When will the Branch Library be built?
Groundbreaking will be in 2010 and the Branch Library will be open in Spring 2011.
Will the Branch Library be accessible by public transit?
Yes, there will be a bus stop on Dean Avenue, near the Branch Library.
Will there be any public input as to what the south end residents are looking for in their new library?
Barrie Public Library has surveyed residents in the area immediately around the Branch Library to get input on what they would like to see in this community Branch. In addition, City Councillors intend to hold community meetings for public input on how the City and Barrie Public Library can best proceed in providing library services to all our citizens. Please contact your local Councillor for information on this process.
How much money needs to be raised before the shovel goes in?
The Branching Out campaign will raise $1 million for the Branch Library project.
How much is the project going to cost?
The projected total is $4.5 million, with $3.5 million funded by the City of Barrie through development charges. This Branching Out Capital Campaign will raise $1 million to close the gap. Once open, the City will take responsibility for the daily operating costs of the Library.
Will I be able to order a book from the Downtown Library and pick it up from the Branch Library?
Yes, once your library moves to a multi-branch system you will be able to pick up and drop off books at any branch.
Can I belong to both branches?
When you get your library card you become a member of Barrie Public Library and when we shift from a single library to a library system your card entitles you to use any branch of the library.
Will there be a new library website for the south end branch or will it all be connected to the current library website?
The Branch Library will be part of the Barrie Public Library system and one website will provide all the information, but with special features for each branch.
Will there be meeting rooms available?
Yes, there will be a programme room/meeting room that will also be available for public use.
Will there be music concerts and events like at the Downtown Library?
We are in the process of selecting an architect to design the Branch Library. We hope the design will include convertible space to give an area for public events.
Why do we need another library in Barrie?
The current library facility opened downtown in December of 1996 with the capacity to serve a population of 115,000 people. The Downtown Library cannot accommodate more people or a larger collection of materials for citizens to use to meet their library needs. As Barrie’s population continually increases the downtown facility will fail in its mission. A community survey conducted a few years ago indicated support for increasing the Library’s capacity, with a strong demand from citizens to have branch libraries in their immediate communities rather than a single larger downtown location.
Other public libraries serving a population of more than 100,000 have three to four branch libraries and more than double the square footage of library space per citizen.
Why is the branch library being built in that corner of Barrie?
The 2006 census shows that Barrie has one of the youngest populations in Canada. More than half of new Barrie residents, many of them young families, settle in the City’s south end and the City Planning Department has projected the 5-year population growth in that corner of the city to be another 25,000 people. In addition, transportation studies as well as user studies conducted by the Library indicate that Barrie citizens living in south Barrie visit the downtown library in fewer numbers and less often.
How can I help make it happen?
There are a number of ways you can get involved and start Branching Out for our community:
- Make your own personal donation
- Participate in a fundraising event
- Do your own fundraising event (such as a bake sale, car wash, fundraising dinner, etc.) and donate the proceeds to help build the Branch Library
If you have a question we haven’t answered here or on the website please contact us
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