Directory of Community Programs and Services in Barrie Ontario

Barrie Public Library

Site: Barrie - 555 Essa Rd

Service: Holly Branch

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Record #: BAR0174
Last Modified: 16 Sep 2025
Last Full Update: 18 Jun 2025

Contacts

Public Comments For Bus routes near the Holly Branch, see Route 8B, Transit Schedules & Maps for more information.
Office Phone 705-728-1010
E-Mail AskUs@barrielibrary.ca
Website www.barrielibrary.ca
Social Media Facebook Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/barriepubliclibrary
Instagram Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barriepubliclibrary/
LinkedIn LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/barrie-public-library/?originalSubdomain=ca
YouTube YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/barrielibrary
Primary Contact Darcy Glidden, Manager, Community Libraries and Connections; Email: darcy.glidden@barrielibrary.ca
Alternate Contact Laura LaFleshe, Director, Community, Connections and Content; Email: laura.lafleshe@barrielibrary.ca
Volunteer Coordinator Emily Fleming, Coordinator, Volunteer Resources; Email: Emily.Fleming@barrielibrary.ca

Addresses

Address & Map
555 Essa Road
Barrie, ON
Canada L4N 6A9
Intersection Essa Rd and Mapleton Ave
Mailing Address 555 Essa Road 
Barrie, ON 
Canada L4N 6A9
Physical Access Fully Accessible

Description

Description (Service)

Provides informational, recreational and cultural resources for all ages


Resources/Services include:

  • books, magazines, compact discs, newspapers, DVDs, Electronic books, downloadable resources, public computers, wireless internet, wireless printing, and Creative Space
  • online databases through the library website with a library membership. Including online tutoring for elementary to post secondary students in a variety of subjects
  • multilingual and language learning materials and resources
  • public computers with Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and internet access. All computers have assistive technology
  • group study rooms and rentable meeting rooms, see separate record
  • accessible material includes Talking Book Service, Large Print Book Collection, and CELA materials available
  • specialized unit which magnifies print material for the visually impaired at Downtown branch
  • mobility devices may be available for use in the library
  • Visiting Library Service available to individuals who cannot visit the library in person
  • local history collection, including local newspapers on Microfilm/fiche, Births/Deaths/Marriages indexes, microfilm/fiche reader/printers at Downtown Branch
  • library of things including musical instruments, sports equipment, games and learning tools
  • seasonal Seed Library - a collection of seeds that are available for community members to borrow and grow in their own gardens
  • library collection of the Ontario Genealogical Society, Simcoe County Branch at Downtown Branch
  • programming and events for children, teens and adults. See the events calendar
  • library visits and tours

Information Barrie

  • operates as a community information and referral service
  • maintains the Information Barrie Community Directory of community organizations/services including non-profit agencies, government offices, health services, clubs and special interest organizations, daycare services and support groups in the Barrie area
  • maintains a Volunteer Database which connects volunteers with local volunteer opportunities
  • Directory and Volunteer Database are free to use and continuously updated. Both are available through the library website, see separate record

Annual Barrie Dragon Boat Festival

  • held in August and involves Dragon boat races and land-based activities
  • the Festival is in support of Barrie Public Library plus other local charities

Chief Executive Officer is Lauren Jessop, lauren.jessop@barrielibrary.ca
Volunteer Description Volunteers needed for various positions including Café Customer Service Clerk

Volunteer Application Forms are available on website: https://www.barrielibrary.ca/about-bpl/volunteering. Volunteer positions require a police check.

Service Details

Legal Status (50) Non Profit ; (51) Registered Charity
Hours
Areas Served Barrie ; Oro-Medonte
Eligibility See eligibility criteria on website: www.barrielibrary.ca/about-bpl/get-a-card
Application
    • Apply in person or online for a library card, see Get a Library Card
    • for all memberships, current name and address identification must be provided
    • additional identification may be required for some membership types
Languages English; French - Interpretation, Publications, depending on availability of staff
Fees None. Can join for a fee if outside of the eligibility criteria for a free membership

Fees may apply for creative space materials

Subjects

Service Categories Children's Library Services ; Early Literacy Development Programs ; Foreign Language Collections ; High Interest/Low Vocabulary Collections ; Home Gardening Assistance/Supplies ; Home Library Services ; Homework Help Programs ; Large Print Materials/Collections ; Library Audiovisual Services ~ Visual Impairments ; Public Access Computers/Tools ; Public Internet Access Sites ; Public Libraries ; Sports Equipment ; Youth Enrichment Programs
Every effort is made to ensure that the information in this directory is accurate, up-to-date and comprehensive. However, Information Barrie cannot assume liability resulting from errors or omissions. Inclusion or omission of a program or service is not a comment on its quality.