What's Happening @ BPL: January 2024

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

Embrace 2024 with the Barrie Public Library

We are excited for a new year with many opportunities for learning and discovery. It’s a great time to set a new goal, learn a new skill, and create new habits. Your library card is a tool for success in 2024. Check out the 10 ways you can make the most of 2024 with your library card.

Read the Most Borrowed Books of 2023

Every year, we enjoy looking back and seeing what the most borrowed titles were in our community. We've compiled our top 10 most borrowed lists of 2023 for you to enjoy. Check out these lists to see if you read any of the library's most popular books of the year. 

So, You Got an eReader or Tablet for Christmas?

 Get reading our eBooks on your new Christmas gadget! Our eBooks can be read on tablets and some eReaders via cloudLibrary.

See our step-by-step guide for using cloudLibrary on your tablet and eReader.  

Have a Family Party on Family Literacy Day!

Family Literacy Day takes place every January 27th to promote reading and literacy activities as a family. Check out all our programs and resources  to celebrate as a family!

New Year, New Language

We are now offering Transparent Language, an online language learning tool!  Transparent Language provides a fun, effective, and engaging experience for learners of all levels looking to build their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in a foreign language.  

With over 110 languages to choose from, including English for speakers of over 30 languages, there is something for every learner. You can also learn Indigenous languages including Ojibwe, Oji-Cree, and Denesuline, as well as American Sign Language (ASL). 

*Please note this platform replaces Mango Languages.

Get New Reads for the New Year

Start the new year off strong with new reads! Complete our Next5 form and we will share 5 personalized reading suggestions with you.

Check Out Our Library of Things

Have you discovered ALL we have to offer? We have more than just books to borrow to help you get over the winter blues - including birdwatching kits, light therapy lamps, telescopes, and more.

Embark on a Medieval Quest at the Library

Your kids have one more week before it's back to school. If you are running out of ideas to keep them entertained, why not 'travel back to medieval times' with us? Meet knights and princesses, build castles and chariots, listen to stories and songs as a family, and much more!

Featured Programs:

• *Stories from the Land of Puppets - Join us for a Once Upon a Time Puppet Show. 
• *Day of Knights - Learn more about knights, armour and swordplay with our special guests from Dueling Weapons Academy of Renaissance Fencing!
• *Princess Sing-a-Long - Come in costumes to sing with our speical guests Belle and Jasmine. 
• Legends of Zelda Escape Room - Can you find the sword and save Zelda from Ganondorf? Work together with your family and friends! 
• Build It: Castle Edition - Create your own castle with our Magnatiles, blue blocks, cardboard blocks, and more.

*Please note that some of these programs have limited space. Free tickets are available 30 minutes prior to the program on a first-come, first-served basis. Be sure to arrive early so you don't miss out.

Staff Fiction Favourites

Check out some of the adult fiction books that BPL staff couldn't put down in 2023.

January New Fiction

Place your hold on one of these hot new titles being published in January.

Check Out Other January Book Lists...

• Family Literacy Day 2024 - Family Literacy Day takes place every January 27th and raises awareness about the importance of reading as a family. This year's theme is let's have a family party! 
• Decodable Books (English & French) - Decodable books are written in a way that allows children to practice phonic skills, creating vital connections between letters and sounds. 
• Staff Non-Fiction Favourites - Check out some of the adult non-fiction books that BPL staff couldn't put down in 2023.
• New Year, New You! - The new year is a great time to focus on your well-being and self-care. Check out these reads for inspiration you can use all year round. 
• Personal Finance - Does your wallet have a holiday hangover? Have a look at these books to get your personal spending (and saving!) back on track.

Be Snow Savvy this Winter

Ever wondered what winter boots are the best? Unsure if your tires are ready for the winter roads? Looking for winter activities in the County of Simcoe? All these questions will be answered and more on Friday, January 19th from 1:30 to 3:00pm at Painswick Library during our Be Snow Savvy! event. 

We Want To Know!

Last Month's Poll:

Do you prefer print books or eBooks?

This Month:

Do you prefer reading series of books or standalone books?

.......

Join us this month for a huge variety of programs for adults, teens, and kids.

Discover Volunteering with Information Barrie

Volunteering offers help to people in need, worthwhile causes, and the community, but the benefits don’t end there. The right match can help volunteers find friends, connect with a community, learn new skills, and even advance their careers.  Explore Information Barrie’s Volunteer Database to find opportunities available in Barrie and area. 

One fantastic way to make a difference this winter is with Snow Angels. Snow Angels connects volunteers with neighbours who need help shovelling their driveway. Sign up to be a volunteer and help those in need, or request help for yourself or someone you know.

Food Bank Donations Accepted at All Library Locations

All library locations are still collecting non-perishable food items for the Barrie Food Bank until January 31. Food collection bins are located near the entrance of each location. Check the Barrie Food Bank's website to see the most needed items during the winter season. 

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Barrie Public Library
60 Worsley Street Barrie, ON L4M 1L6
barrielibrary.ca  |  705-728-1010  |  AskUs@barrielibrary.ca