What's Happening @ BPL: March 2023

Our Library of Things Continues to Expand

No, your eyes are not deceiving you - we've added THREE new items to our Library of Things. Place your holds today!

#ITSTARTS: Join the Movement

IT STARTS is a local awareness campaign with the goal of taking proactive steps toward addressing discrimination and racism in Simcoe County. 

As a community partner of IT STARTS, we have a number of programs and reading lists that align with this important inititiave. Check out some highlights below, or click the button to see everything we've got planned. We encourage everyone to get involved in putting an end to discrimination and racism. 

• English Conversation Circle 
• Café Franco
• Community Voices
• Diversity Reads 

March Break is almost here! Are you looking for fun ideas for the kiddos, or maybe for yourself? With so much to do, our programs and reading lists are sure to keep you busy all week long. We have something for all ages so be sure to browse our March Break Flyer now!

To Do:

We have fun activities planned all week, including:

• Draw to Life - Join our talented staf member IBK as he teaches you art skills! Limited space available, registration required.
• March Break Storytimes - Storytimes for all interests like STEAM, Dinosaurs, Encanto, and more!
• Switch It Up - Come play our Nintendo Switch on the big screen.
• Puzzles, Puzzles, Puzzles - Piece some jigsaw puzzles together with us.
• Puppet Show LIVE - Come and see what the puppets get up to this spring!
• Holi Indian Festival - Learn more about Holi so you can celebrate it in style with all the beautiful and vibrant colours.
• Nevermore Academy: Wednesday Edition - Channel your inner Wednesday with our Nevermore Academy activities.
• Game On: VR - Curious about Virtual Reality? Try it out at Holly.
• And so much more!

To Read:

Check out our “Make It!” list for easy DIY creativity and exploration. Or get outside and use some of the ideas from our “Keep It Moving!” list to have fun while staying active.

Hot New Fiction

Place a hold on one of these hot new fiction titles being published in March.

Potty Humour

We're not laughing, you're laughing! Let's face it, everybody poops and toots. Check out this list of books that are sure to be a hit with the kids!

Spring is near and it will soon be time to start your garden. 

Get inspired at Seedy Saturday! Join us in-person and online for fun and informative programs related to gardening and all things nature.

March 4, 10am-2pm: Join us Downtown to ask garden experts your questions, enjoy Keynote speakers, meet other local gardeners, and connect with vendors at our Garden Expo!

March 25, 10am-2:30pm: Join us for three online presentations including Planting the Three Sisters and Pollinator Friendly Gardening. Registration required.

Seed Library: Our BPL Seed Library launches on March 4 for the 2023 growing season! Visit any library location to "borrow" up to 3 seed packets. 

Decades-Long Library Member Shares Her Story

Barrie Public Library patron Shirley is no stranger to what libraries can do for their communities. Libraries have played an important role in her life since she was a young girl. 

"The Library has shown me that you’re never too old to learn by sharing and reading," shares Shirley. "As you can see, I certainly don’t hesitate to communicate my love of reading with others!" 

Thank you, Shirley, for your continued support of Barrie Public Library. We appreciate you!

Barrie Dragon Boat Festival 2023 Update

Tim Hortons returns as Presenting Sponsor of our 19th annual Barrie Dragon Boat Festival

The festival date is set for Saturday, August 19, and registration is now open!

Learn more about how to register your team and take advantage of a new Early Bird incentive to win Coffee for a Year, compliments of Tim Hortons.

Summer Day Camp Planning with Information Barrie

Each year our Information Barrie team compiles details about day camps for kids and parents. 

Our Community Directory lists information on over 80 day camps in the Barrie area - sports, music, art, drama, computer camps and more. We are your starting point for a fun-filled summer! Keep checking back as the Directory is updated daily.

To start exploring and planning your summer, go to Summer Day Camps.