The proposed northwest Barrie Public Library branch is starting a new chapter with $150,000 in city funding. On Jan. 29, city council approved the funds for the capital project, officially named the Barrie Northwest Boutique Library. The funding will come
from the city’s development charge reserve.
The corporate facilities team will work with Barrie Public Library staff on the initial
designs and project scope. This will include evaluating potential site locations, gathering
demographic data, developing layouts, and conducting consultations.
Christopher Vanderkruys, Director of Corporate Services at the Barrie Public Library,
shared his excitement about expanding library services. He noted that the city’s
northwest was identified as a prime location for expansion back in 2018.
“We are excited to expand the much-needed library services within the city,” he said. “A
northwest branch was identified in the master facility plan done in 2018 in conjunction
with the City of Barrie as well as the need for .7 square feet of services per resident.”
In a press release, Barrie Public Library CEO Lauren Jessop stated, “We’re committed
to ensuring library services are accessible to all residents. This planning process is an
exciting first step toward creating a space that brings people together and meets the
unique needs of this community.”
The proposed branch will offer literacy support, programs for all ages, computers, Wi-Fi,
and community spaces. The design and scale will likely be closer to the Holly boutique
branch, which opened in Barrie’s southwest end in 2022.
Coun. Gary Harvey, who represents the area where the Holly boutique branch is
located, said the branch is an example of a smaller-scale library serving a community
effectively.
“With the Holly branch I have only had positive comments – we have seen the success
that these smaller branches have,” he said. “I would expect that the northwest branch
will be as successful if located in the appropriate location in the heart of a subdivision.”
