[First Name], check out what's happening in the library this month!

Inside this issue:

• BPL Comic Fest
• Holly Library's 1st Birthday
• National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
• Celebrating our 19th annual Barrie Dragon Boat Festival

• Brainfuse HelpNow
• Decodable Books
• Games & Puzzles Meetup
• Info Barrie Directory: sports, clubs and recreational activities

Let's-a go! BPL Comic Fest is BACK

Here we go! Superheroes of all shapes and capes are returning to the Downtown Library on Saturday, September 23 from 10am to 3pm.

This day-long festival celebrates everything comic book and comic book culture, with fun kids activities, live demos by local artists, a vendor market, featured cosplayers, and more! Drop in, sign up and get your Game On! with ongoing Mario game tournaments on the big screen. 

“BPL Comic Fest is a celebration of our library collection, that includes graphic novels, comic books, manga, and a wide assortment of video games – all FREE with your library card. We invite superheroes of all ages to become library members and explore the action of a good book, excitement of a competitive game or learn the art of drawing. It is all available at your local library.”

Adult Graphic Novels

Need to add some books to your to-be-read list? Place a hold on one of these Graphic Novels for Adults titles being published in September!

Truth and Reconciliation

 Learn more about the history of residential schools and their lasting impact with our Residential Schools in Canada book lists for all ages and reading levels.

Celebrating our 19th Annual Dragon Boat Festival!

Saturday, August 19 was a beautiful day on Kempenfelt Bay! Close to 700 paddlers took their energy to the water and paddled in unison during the Barrie Dragon Boat Festival presented by Tim Hortons. This year, we welcomed 26 teams from businesses, charities, government offices and groups of friends, who together raised $47,000 (and counting!) for local charities, including the Barrie Public Library’s Future Branches Campaign. 

Brainfuse HelpNow

Brainfuse HelpNow is an amazing resources for learners of all ages, with LIVE tutoring, Adult Learner resources, test prep, skills development, and writing assistance! 

Members can access BrainFuse HelpNow from a web browser, or through iOS and Android.

Click the button below to start your Brainfuse journey.

Homework Resources

The first day of school is just around the corner, and with that comes homework! We have resources for all ages and subjects - all you need is your library card.

• PebbleGo: fact-based titles for Pre-K to Grade 3
• Primary Search: full-text database with popular children's magazines and more
• EBSCO Explora: full-text high school-level journal articles, news, biographies and more 

Holly Anniversary: Join Us to Celebrate 1 Year!

Our Holly library location has been open for one year and you're invited to help us celebrate! This past year has been amazing - our community has welcomed us with open arms, using our spaces to study and work, attend family programming, and of course check out our collection. 

Join us on Saturday, September 9 from 10am-1pm to celebrate with face painting, balloon animals, cupcakes, a VR station, and our outdoor BPL Discovery Area! 

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Orange Shirt Day

September 30 is Orange Shirt Day, and Canada's National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. 

It is an opportunity to create meaningful discussion about the effects of residential schools and to remember all those that have been affected.

We are in a unique position to help our community discover opportunities to learn more, to amplify Indigenous voices, and to encourage community building through reconciliation. 

Decodable Books

A change is coming to the Ontario Curriculum this fall, and the library is here to help! 

In response to the Right to Read inquiry report that was released in 2022, the Ontario government has revamped how students in Grades 1-3 are taught how to read.  

Learn more about our Featured Collection of decodable books, which are written in a way that allow children to practice phonic skills, creating vital connections between letters and sounds.  

Join us in person and online this month for a wide variety of programs for adults, teens and kids. Check out some of the highlights below!

What's New in the Info Barrie Directory?

September is a time of new beginnings and learning. The Information Barrie directory has information about sports, hobbies, clubs, and other recreational activities. 

Access the directory and scroll down to the search categories ‘Arts/Culture’ or Sports/Recreation’ for detailed information.

Join a club, try a new sport, get tickets to a show, or sign up for one of your favourite activities.

If you need any help, call 705-728-1010 Option #3 or email  infobarrie@barrielibrary.ca.