Join us for the BIG Spring Book Sale, Author Talk with Nita Prose, and more!
Barrie Public Library

What's Happening @ BPL: May 2025

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

Barrie Public Library May 23-25 BIG SPRING BOOK SALE.

BIG Spring Book Sale: May 23-25
Our volunteer-led BIG Spring Book Sale is back! Join us from Friday, May 23 to Sunday, May 25, at the Downtown Library to pick up some new reads for the summer.
 
Are your bookshelves overflowing? We will be hosting a Community Donation Day on Thursday, May 22, at the Downtown Library from 9:30am - 9pm. Volunteers will accept items that are clean and recently published. 
Get the Details

Three book covers: One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune, The Manor of Dreams by Christina Li, The Names by Florence Knapp.

May New Fiction
We've got the newest fiction reads! Place a hold on one of these titles being published in May.
Browse Now
Covers of books: Accidently on Purpose by Kristen Kish, The Emperor of Gladness by Ocean Vuong, Momo Arashima Duels the Queen of Death by Misa Sugiura, The Strongest Heart by Saadia Faruqi.

Asian Heritage Month
This May, check out our Voices of Asian Heritage book lists for adult and children.
Learn More

Author Talk with Nita Prose Wednesday, June 11 Georgian Theatre 6:30-7:30pm.

Enjoy an Evening with Nita Prose!
We are thrilled to welcome internationally acclaimed Canadian author Nita Prose for a special in-person event on Wednesday, June 11 at Georgian Theatre. 🎉
 
This highly anticipated evening will offer fans the unique opportunity to hear from the author of The Maid, a global bestseller and winner of multiple literary awards. Nita Prose will be discussing her latest work, The Maid’s Secret, the third and final book in her popular and fun-filled Molly the Maid series. There will be time at the end for questions from the audience, and Nita's books can be purchased at the event and signed by the author. 
 
Tickets are $15 and can be purchased through TicketPro. Seats are limited, so be sure to reserve your spot early! 
Learn More & Get Tickets

Holiday Hours, Sun. May 18: OPEN, Mon. May 19: CLOSED, Tue. May 20: OPEN
Please note all library locations will be closed on Monday, May 19, for Victoria Day. We'll see you on Tuesday, May 20! 
 
Recently, we made an exciting change that will see the library open on Sunday of ALL holiday weekends; previously it was only Family Day and Thanksgiving. More library open days = more awesomeness. 

Shape Your Future Library. Complete our survey for a chance to WIN: Apple AirPods Ages 13-18 or Apple iPad Mini Ages 19+.

Have Your Say! How Would You Use a New Community Library in Northwest Barrie?
The Barrie Public Library is planning a new community library in the northwest area of Barrie! We want to hear from YOU. What programs would you attend? What spaces and resources would you be most excited about? 
 
Fill out our short survey to be entered to win Apple AirPods (Ages 13-18) or an Apple iPad Mini (Ages 19+)!
Complete the Survey

Four book covers: The Happiest Man on Earth by Eddie Jaku, You Are Not What We Expected by Sidura Ludwig, 1, 2, 3, Nosh With Me by Micah and Joshua Siva, Awe-some Days by Marilyn Singer.

Jewish Heritage Month
You're encouraged to read and watch our recommendations to celebrate Jewish Heritage Month this May. 
Learn More
Images of Library of Things bike locks, bike repair kits, adventure kits and discover insects kits.

LOT Spring Items
Discover Insects Kits, Adventure Kits, Bike Repair Kits, oh my! Check out our Library of Things this spring.
Browse Now

Three images of teens at the library.

Celebrate National Youth Week from May 1-7
BPL is celebrating youth this May. We've put together fun events and resources for your 11 to 17-year-olds to enjoy: Percy Jackson Watch Party, Build Your Own Terrariums, Board Game Afternoon, and much more! 
Learn More

Images of Jessica Bebenek and Christine Wu and their books, No One Knows Us There and Familial Hungers.

You're Invited to a Night of Canadian Poetry
Calling all poetry lovers! Join two acclaimed poets, Jessica Bebenek and Christine Wu, on May 27 at 6:30 pm as they stop at the Downtown Library for Poetry Night on their province-wide book tour.  
 
They will be discussing their recently published books: Jessica's debut poetry collection, No One Knows Us There, was released on April 8, 2025, and Christine's poetry debut, Familial Hungers, was released in February 2025. 
Learn More

Image of two hands holding phone showing the CloudLibrary app.

BPL Wants to Talk Tech With You!
BPL Talks Tech is a series of drop-in sessions where you can get hands-on experience using our Digital Library. Each week, our staff will guide you through step-by-step tutorials on how to use our free digital resources to read, watch, listen, and learn. Bring your device to follow along - no technology experience required!
 
Get the Details

We Want To Know!

Last Month's Poll:

If you had to choose between reading only fiction or only non-fiction for the rest of your life, which one would you pick?
Results from poll: 38% non-fiction and 62% fiction.

This Month:
How many books have you read so far in 2025?
0-5
6-15
16-20+

.......
Image of May 2025 events calendar, showing events happening every day of the month.

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

New & Noteworthy Events
Image of the Craft Supply Swap at the Painswick Library.
Craft Supply Swap
Downtown
Sat., May 10 (2-4pm)

It's time to declutter your craft cupboard! Exchange your leftover materials for fresh treasures and connect with fellow local crafters and groups. 
Learn More
Image of group of participants at the English Conversation Circle.

Spanish Conversation Circle

Painswick

Tuesdays (May 6, 13, 20, & 27) from 7-8pm

Learning Spanish? Come practice in a stress-free, laid back environment! Beginners and fluent speakers of Spanish are welcome to drop by for casual conversation.
Learn More
Image of a volunteer and a participant at the Knitting Circle.

Knitting Circle

Holly

Mondays (May 5, 12, & 26) from 6:30-7:30pm

 

Downtown *NEW*
Thu. May 8 & 22 from 1:30-2:30pm
Drop in with your knitting, crochet, or needlework project to connect with other yarn enthusiasts! No formal instruction or materials provided.
Learn More

Image of Barrie Public Library staff at the Barrie Wellness Fair.
Barrie Wellness Fair - May 3, 2025
Join us at the Barrie Farmers’ Market (Barrie City Hall) from 9am to 1pm for the Barrie Wellness Fair! Come discover health and wellness resources in your community with demos and interactive activities, including giveaways. This event is hosted by the Barrie Police Service and the Barrie Farmers' Market.
Learn More

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