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

Following the recent discovery of hundreds of unmarked graves at residential schools across the country, let’s take this time to elevate awareness and reflect on reconciliation and our relationship with Indigenous Peoples.

As a public library, we are uniquely positioned to help with this process of learning and discovery. Our resources are available for free with a library card, without fines, providing equitable access to all. 
 
Start your learning here:

• Diversity Reads - Indigenous Voices reading list
• Truth and Reconciliation 'Calls to Action’
• Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls 'Calls to Action'

We stand with all Indigenous communities across Canada in mourning the loss of these children. 

Lauren Jessop
CEO, Barrie Public Library

Welcome back!!  🥳

It's the moment we've all been waiting for.... we are open again for in-person services including browsing and borrowing, computer access, and bookable spaces for studying and working. 

There is a maximum of 50 patrons allowed Downtown and 35 at Painswick, and visits are limited to 60 minutes or less. 

All public health guidelines apply, including wearing a mask in line and indoors, staying 2m (6ft) from others, using hand sanitizer or washing your hands, and staying home if you don't feel well.

Simcoe Reads: A Cover-to-Cover Competition

Seven local libraries are squaring off again for Simcoe Reads, a cover-to-cover competition based on Canada Reads! Each library selects a Canadian book and a local celebrity champion - our pick is A Mind Spread Out on the Ground by Alicia Elliott, and our champion is Carolina Belmares.

Get your family excited about reading this summer

Our Summer Reading Club for kids and teens has officially launched! To get started, download the Beanstack Tracker app available on the App Store & Google Play. We've also got tons of fun activities planned, including Toronto Zoo visits, Grab & Go crafts, and Outdoor Adventures.

Welcome to your new Painswick Branch!

Have you heard? We've completely refreshed our Painswick Branch and are absolutely THRILLED with the new look!

Painswick's new discovery layout makes it easier to browse our collections and find that next great book, movie or magazine. With open sightlines throughout, the natural light is able to flood every corner of the space. We've added tons of awesome new furniture that also doubles as book displays in some cases - even some hidden features for kids to discover! 

Hot New Fiction

Summer is here! Find your next beach read with these hot new fiction titles that are being published in July.

Recent Award Winners

There have been many literary awards announced recently - check out some of the winners available at the library!

Brainfuse HelpNow is a new online live homework tutoring service that is FREE with your library membership. Tutors are available from 2pm-11pm daily in English and French for Kindergarten up to Post-Secondary.

The Adult Learners section includes career resources, a resume and cover letter lab, Canadian citizenship test prep, and Microsoft Office help, so be sure to take advantage of this and sign up for an account! Need help? Check out our Getting Started Guide.

ePRINTit: Wireless & Remote Printing

Need to print from your own device? Now you can with ePRINTit!

Computer, phone, or tablet - we have it covered. You can even send a print job from home and pick it up the same day. 

TumbleBook Library: Stop the 'Summer Slide'

TumbleBook Library is the perfect way to keep the kids entertained this summer, with e-books, e-audiobooks, puzzles and videos for Grades K – 6. It also includes early reader chapter books and National Geographic videos.

Making the leap from early readers to chapter books

Is your young reader ready to graduate from early readers to chapter books? Help ease the transition with these tips:

• Look through the book to see if it's a good fit (and don't just rely on the publisher's age recommendation)
• Make sure the topic is something that your reader is interested in
• If there are more than 5 words on the page that your reader has trouble with, look for a different book
• Look for short chapters, some pictures, and larger print

Just in time for summer reading, check out this list of books especially for young readers new to chapter books!

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