A new chapter is beginning for the Barrie Public Library (BPL) with plans to develop a new branch in the northwest part of the city.
The library requested and received $75,000 from the city to fund the design, layout, community consultation and demographic analysis for a new facility the Letitia Heights area.
The 2017 Master Facilities Plan recommended a six-branch library system.
Currently, there is the main downtown branch, the Painswick location in the area of Yonge and Big Bay Point Road, and the Holly Community Branch on Essa Road at Mapleton Avenue, which opened in August 2022. The Holly branch cost $1.1 million to open, including shelves and books. The facility is 4,2000 square feet.
Library officials said there are 26,000 residents in the Letitia Heights area, including 5,000 youth, as well as 12 public and private schools. They noted there are fewer library members in this area likely due to poor proximity to other library locations.
"The Barrie Public Library board is thrilled to start this expansion into the northwest area of the city," Austin Mitchell, Chair of the BPL board stated in a news release.
The library estimates the annual operating cost of a northwest branch to be $957,000, $650,000 for furniture, shelving and equipment, and $240,000 for opening day collection.
"These estimates are based on one-time expenses to open our Holly location as well as annual operating costs," library officials have stated. "These figures do not include any potential leasehold improvements."
The new branch would provide literacy support, programming for all ages, computers, Wi-Fi, and community space for work and study.
"Officials are considering a smaller library, similar to the Holly library," according to the news release.
Lauren Jessop, CEO of the BPL, was quoted in the news release that they look forward to conducting community consultation with the residents of Ward 5 and surrounding areas to get a sense of broader community needs before there are any firm decisions.
"We're committed to ensuring library services are accessible to all residents. This planning process is an exciting first step toward creating a space that brings people together and meets the unique needs of this community," Jessop added.
