News Release – Barrie Public Library
The Barrie Public Library (BPL) is excited to announce that two members of our BPL Leaders & Innovative Teens (LIT) group have been awarded funding from the United Way Simcoe Muskoka's Youth United Grant. Youth United is an entirely youth-driven program for young people ages 15-30 that provides one-time micro-grants to help support youth-led projects in the County of Simcoe, the District of Muskoka and the Town of the Blue Mountains.
Youth Lead Samiksha Gopinath was awarded $5,000 to bring a Youth United Speaker Series to BPL locations from the end of January to the beginning of March. This speaker series will cover a range of topics including environmentalism, confidence, diversity, and belonging. The first 20 participants at each speaker event will receive a library Swag Bag.
"This youth-led series serves as a starting point for meaningful conversations," says Brian Shelley, Chief Executive and Philanthropy Officer, United Way Simcoe Muskoka. "United Way Simcoe Muskoka's commitment of Youth United funds speaks to our belief in the power of dialogue to foster inclusivity, knowledge-sharing, and positive change in Simcoe County. Engaging in discussions on crucial topics such as understanding diverse identities, empowering young female entrepreneurs, and addressing mental health and addiction is a collective step towards a more inclusive community.”
Youth Lead Dominic Nguyen was also awarded $5,000 from United Way Simcoe Muskoka for the Youth Essentials Program. The program will provide essentials supply bags for residents of Barrie's Youth Haven. Collingwood Public Library will also be helping distribute the supply bags through Home Horizon Youth Transitional Support Program.
“We are very proud of Samiksha and Dominic,” says Sandra Sydor, Barrie Public Library's Manager of Community Engagement. “These remarkable teens have created a spark of positive change, and I have no doubt that the programs they've created and championed will leave a lasting impact on our community."
Learn more about the Youth United Speaker Series on our Events Calendar.
About Youth United
Youth United is funded in part by Canada Service Corps, a national movement that empowers youth aged 15–30 to gain experience and build important skills while giving back to their community. Learn more at Canada.ca/CanadaServiceCorps.
About BPL LIT
BPL LIT are a group of student volunteers between the ages of 14 to 19 who are passionate about the library. Representatives from various Barrie high schools and home schools assist in teen program planning, promoting reading, and creating a positive and welcoming environment for teens at the library.
About the Barrie Public Library
The Barrie Public Library is a welcoming space where community comes together. We promote literacy, support the joy of discovery, and transform lives by providing knowledge, information, and resources that meet our city’s growing and evolving needs. Explore all the benefits of a library card at barrielibrary.ca.
