Autumn could be a fine time to crack a book in Holly.
Barrie Public Library’s third branch could open then and be ready for readers, browsers, borrowers and researchers of all types.
“We are hoping to be open in late fall,” said Lauren Jessop, Barrie Public Library’s chief executive officer. “During this time we will be working with SmartCentres on leasehold improvements and ordering shelving, collections, furniture, and equipment.”
The Holly branch at 555 Essa Rd. is 4,500 square feet in size.
It will have collections for children, teens and adults, spaces for patrons to bring their own device or to borrow a laptop for use in the branch at laptop bar seating, comfortable lounge chairs and tables, a small meeting room and flexible shelving and furniture to allow for increased floor space for programs.
“Collections will be displayed on shelving that uses retail principles to encourage browsing and discovery,” Jessop said. “The space will be bright, colourful and inviting.”
Just before it took summer beak, city council approved a 2021 capital fund transfer to the Barrie Public Library for the Holly Library Branch of almost $1.8 million, and that it be reduced by an amount equal to the value of city-funded facility capital upgrades performed at the leased facility, estimated to be approximately $350,000.
Annual operating costs of $723,877, have also been approved - including $221,000 for salaries and benefits.
“Operating costs will likely differ from that number due to a later than anticipated opening date,” Jessop said. “Operating costs fund ongoing additions to the collection, additional support for marketing and programming, office supplies, some facility maintenance costs, etc.”
The Holly Library Branch will be the smallest of the city’s three facilities.
Barrie Public Library, the downtown branch, was built in 1996 and is 56,200 sq. ft., while the Painswick Branch is 15,000 sq. ft. and was built in 2011. The library board itself has, in the past, spoken about the need for three more branches in Barrie - also in community centres planned in the Hewitt's and Salem areas in the former Innisfil land, at 15,000 sq. ft. in size.
Library officials say that of those who visit city branches, 40 per cent say it’s too far from their home or work and 62 per cent would be more likely to visit a library if it was in a convenient spot, such as a community centre or a shopping plaza.
Again before breaking for summer, council directed staff to take action toward negotiating a lease of commercial space for a Holly Library Branch at 555 Essa Rd. Once the lease is negotiated, the city would release funds related to the Holly Library Branch.
City staff would also be authorized to adjust project funding sources and library budget allocations to facilitate the leasehold improvements within the terms of the lease agreement, and that these changes be communicated to Barrie Public Library.
And that upon signing the lease, this space would be declared a city facility, and that the necessary documentation be prepared as soon as feasible to declare the facility exempt from taxes.
