This February, celebrate Black History Month, Freedom to Read Week, and Winter with Barrie Public Library!
Barrie Public Library

What's Happening @ BPL: February 2024

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

Photo of the Black History Month book display in the Downtown Library lobby

Celebrate Black History Month at the Library

While February 2024 marks the 29th anniversary of Black History Month in Canada, we are committed to recognizing the importance of Black history 365 days of the year. Attend a Storytime, watch an online film, or try a new author from our selected booklists. Together, let’s celebrate the diversity of Simcoe County.

Learn More

Image of our Annual Report 2023 Cover Page with screenshots of three inner pages.

Check Out Our 2023 Annual Report

Hot off the press! We are thrilled to present our 2023 Annual Report highlighting just a few of the amazing initiaitves and successes from last year. From nearly 13,000 new members to the Summer Reading Club and Dragon Boat Festival, there is so much to celebrate from this past year!

Browse the Report

Photo of the collection of Wonderbooks

Read Along with  Wonderbooks

Every Wonderbook is a print book with a ready-to-play audiobook inside. Kids can press play to read along with their favourite books.

Browse Our Collection
Graphic reads: February 18 - 24 fevrier 2024 Freedom to Read Week Semaine de la liberte d'expression

Celebrate Freedom to Read Week with BPL

Freedom to Read Week encourages Canadians to think about and reaffirm their commitment to intellectual freedom. This year, it takes place from February 18 – 24.

Explore Our Resources

Image of person completing a book trail on snowshoes

Enjoy Winter in Barrie with the Library

Barrie says 'Hello Winter' in February! In partnership with the City of Barrie, we will be at Winterfest, The February Blues Festival, and Nature in Winter this month. Join us for some outdoor fun including snowshoeing, Trolls Storytime, and more!

Learn More

Photo of a women and young child reading in the library

Family Fun at the Holly Library

The week leading up to Family Day is jam packed with family programs, including family BINGO, Harry Potter Escape Room, family photo shoot, and more - all at the Holly Library!

Learn More
Photo of three people's hands while sitting together

Join Our English Conversation Circle

Did you know our Downtown and Holly locations offer a weekly drop-in English Conversation Circle? Practice English, meet new friends, and learn more about life and culture in Canada. 

Learn More

Illustration of hand holding a Barrie Public Library library card which reads:

10 Ways You Can Save Money Using the Library

We all know that you can save money by checking books out at the library instead of buying them. But did you know we can help you save on other things too? A library card unlocks free subscriptions, skill-building classes, family activities, and more! 

Get Saving!

Three book covers: Loathe to Love You by Ali Hazelwood; Queerly Beloved by Susie Dumond; By the Book by Jasmine Guillory

Romance Reads for Valentine's Day

Whether you're a fan of classic love stories or modern twists, these books will set your heart aflutter.

Browse Now
Three book covers: A Sweet New Year for Ren by Michelle Sterling & Dung Ho; The Lunar New Year Surprise by Jade Wang and Tammy Do; Chinese Celebrations for Children by Susan Miho Nunes and Patrick Yee

Celebrate Lunar New Year!

Mark the start of the Year of the Dragon on February 10th with this book list!

Get Reading

Check Out Other February Book Lists...

  • New Fiction February 📚 - Place your hold on one of these hot new titles being published in February!
  • Black Queer Canadian Voices 🗨️ - Check out selections on queer Black Canadian authors and celebrate these must-reads. 
  • Valentine's Books for Children ❤️ - Read a funny Valentine's Day story, make a craft, or find out how this holiday is celebrated.
  • No Love Allowed 🙅🏽‍♀️ - This teen fiction list focuses on new books that have no romantic love involved.
  • Pink Shirt Day: Anti-Bullying Awareness 💕 - Dive into stories that inspire empathy, kindness, and resilience. 
  • Family Day 👪 - Snuggle up and read one of these books about family with someone you love!
  • Canada Reads 2024 🍁- CBC's annual Battle of the books is back for 2024! This list includes the five books up for debate, plus the 2024 longlist. 

We Want To Know!

Last Month's Poll:

Do you prefer reading series of books or standalone books?

Pie chart reading eBooks 28%; Print Books 72%

This Month:

What is your favourite BPL location?

Downtown
Painswick
Holly

.......

Photo of two children sitting around a table doing a Valentine's Day craft

Craft Your Heart Out with Creativebug

Celebrate the season of love by trying some Valentine's Day themed crafts. Explore a variety of creative projects on Creativebug.

Get Creative
Graphic of teen with a megaphone with the title

Attend the Youth United Speaker Series

This February, join the BPL Leaders & Innovative Teens (LIT) to hear from speakers about the history of drag, the benefits of French culture, and more!

Learn More

February 2024 calendar indicating that there are many events each day of the month.

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

Events Calendar

Image of three children crafting with colourful construction paper.

Chaotic Crafting

Holly
Saturdays

(Feb. 3, 13, & 24)

1 - 2pm

Get creative (and chaotic) with paint, beads, friendship bracelets, Diamond art, Pixel art and more!

Learn More
Image of two performers playing the drums, guitar and singing in the Downtown Library's Gathering Space.

February Blues Festival

Painswick: Fri., Feb. 2

6:30 - 8:30pm

Holly: Sat., Feb. 3 

2 - 4pm

Downtown: Sun., Feb. 4 2 - 4pm

Enjoy the slow tempo and strong rhythm of the Barrie Jazz and Blues Festival - live in the library!

Learn More
Image of a LEGO car going through an obstacle course, watched by two children in the background.

Lego Mindstorms

Painswick
Saturdays

(Feb. 3, 10, & 24)
12:30 - 1:30pm

Kids aged 9+ are invited to build and develop their coding skills using our Lego Mindstorm Kits. 

Learn More

Yellow diamond sign reading

Beat the Winter Blues with Information Barrie

Have you got the winter blues? Coping with social isolation during the winter months can be difficult in the best of times. Visit our Community Directory to learn about Mental Health supports in the Barrie area. Scroll to the Explore section and click on Mental Health/Addictions.

Getting outdoors in winter can benefit both the mind and body. To find information about winter activities, festivals, special events and musical performances scroll down to the search category Arts/Culture. Or check the search category City of Barrie Services for a list of outdoor ice rinks and recreation centres.

Learn More

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