We will no longer be supporting IE7 and below as a web browser effective June 1st 2020. Click here for more information.

Sign In
Skip Navigation LinksLibraries Libraries
Skip Navigation LinksImmigration Simcoe > Welcome > Feeling Welcome > Libraries

Libraries

The library is a great place to go to connect with the community.  Libraries are an ideal location to grow your English language skills outside a formal classroom.  Library staff are also important links to information and resources about the community you are living in.  Most municipalities have a library, and many have more than one location, making it easier to visit. 

Library services are generally free; however, you will need to become a member by applying for a library card.  To get a library card, often you need to show current identification with your name and address, identifying you live in the area.  You will want to get a library card for every member of your family!

As a member of the library, you have access to many resources and services.

Information and Referral

Library staff are able to share information about local community resources.  Many libraries are able to connect you with specific programs and services in the community.  Some settlement agencies may visit libraries regularly and you may be able to connect with relevant support systems in your local library.  Some libraries host conversation circles that may help you practice English speaking skills.  Most libraries also host Mango, a software application that can help you learn English.

 

Library and Reference Collections Library and Reference Collections .

Most people think about books when they think about libraries.  There are multiple collections, including fiction, non-fiction, magazines, newspapers, and reference materials like dictionaries and atlases.  Depending on the library, there may be books available in languages in other languages.  Libraries are a great place to access books that keep you and your family connected to your mother tongue.  Collections also include DVDs, and CDs, and music.

 

 

Children's ProgramsChildren's program

Every library has a menu of programs specifically designed for children and youth.  Each library designs programs that are most relevant to the community they serve, but often include storytelling groups, toy libraries, craft and play programs with a goal of stretching young minds, encouraging reading skills, and connecting with our children living nearby.

 

 

Adult Programs

Libraries are a great place for immigrants to make connections with other people living in their community.  Libraries offer many programs for adults including book clubs (are a great place to practice English reading and speaking skills).  Other programming is community specific and offers creative ways for adults to connect along many interest levels.  Check out the library closest to you to find out groups that you may wish to connect with.

Technology

Every library has a number of computers with free public internet access, including the ability to print documents (there may be a cost to printing).  Some libraries have e-readers for loan purposes.

Here is a list of the local libraries throughout Simcoe County:

The information listed below was provided by 211 Community Connection.

Libraries in Simcoe County

 

 

Barrie Public LibraryBarrie Public Library​60 Worsley St<br> Barrie, ON L4M <p> 705-728-1010 </p><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li>Barrie Public Library: <a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/can01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%2a3A%2a2F%2a2Furldefense.com%2a2Fv3%2a2F__https%2a3A%2a2Fwww.barrielibrary.ca%2a2F__%2a3B%21%21MPCK0opJ%214rBXgzsHCr7BbxOjW9vdgpqLgYw8KEqLOjXl9Gde6xnIe6kHN5hqqW2z6qkwYBUCr3xjrsQIt8qzlxcDTsq9CI7RZvrs2BVlkEDM%2a24&data=04%2a7C01%2a7CAlison.Schroeder%2a40barrielibrary.ca%2a7C7130acb80bfd4d865bbf08da1cb633a3%2a7C64a75167752f44c5a9525d6ec6222d41%2a7C0%2a7C0%2a7C637853866134699574%2a7CUnknown%2a7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%2a3D%2a7C3000&sdata=cX3tEuw60UWXc7lrvizT4PIAM%2a2BMVZJ02loDDv2g78oQ%2a3D&reserved=0__%3bJSUlJSUlJSUlJSUlJSUlJSUlJSUlJSUl%21%21MPCK0opJ%219T-wDb5qKQzMCI2Ue3revx1mQ6l_X92GVFpmooja7HXTGa31oh30cvnyYy7JeK-3wdtijUF8pU41TNQgxE8z-xd_YekX-43baMXW$" target="_blank">https://www.barrielibrary.ca/</a>  </li><li>Downtown Library info:  <a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/can01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%2a3A%2a2F%2a2Furldefense.com%2a2Fv3%2a2F__https%2a3A%2a2Fwww.barrielibrary.ca%2a2Fabout-bpl%2a2Fbranches%2a2Fdowntown-branch__%2a3B%21%21MPCK0opJ%214rBXgzsHCr7BbxOjW9vdgpqLgYw8KEqLOjXl9Gde6xnIe6kHN5hqqW2z6qkwYBUCr3xjrsQIt8qzlxcDTsq9CI7RZvrs2ClaBK8f%2a24&data=04%2a7C01%2a7CAlison.Schroeder%2a40barrielibrary.ca%2a7C7130acb80bfd4d865bbf08da1cb633a3%2a7C64a75167752f44c5a9525d6ec6222d41%2a7C0%2a7C0%2a7C637853866134699574%2a7CUnknown%2a7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%2a3D%2a7C3000&sdata=gpQYkX6bSfr0zWoeuyEuAVR2xU2e2tnURS%2a2BPJaTHbt4%2a3D&reserved=0__%3bJSUlJSUlJSUlJSUlJSUlJSUlJSUlJSUlJSU%21%21MPCK0opJ%219T-wDb5qKQzMCI2Ue3revx1mQ6l_X92GVFpmooja7HXTGa31oh30cvnyYy7JeK-3wdtijUF8pU41TNQgxE8z-xd_YekX-7HI51g1$" target="_blank">https://www.barrielibrary.ca/about-bpl/branches/downtown-branch</a> </li><li>Painswick Community Library Info: <a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/can01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%2a3A%2a2F%2a2Furldefense.com%2a2Fv3%2a2F__https%2a3A%2a2Fwww.barrielibrary.ca%2a2Fabout-bpl%2a2Fbranches%2a2Fpainswick__%2a3B%21%21MPCK0opJ%214rBXgzsHCr7BbxOjW9vdgpqLgYw8KEqLOjXl9Gde6xnIe6kHN5hqqW2z6qkwYBUCr3xjrsQIt8qzlxcDTsq9CI7RZvrs2BhmtSt9%2a24&data=04%2a7C01%2a7CAlison.Schroeder%2a40barrielibrary.ca%2a7C7130acb80bfd4d865bbf08da1cb633a3%2a7C64a75167752f44c5a9525d6ec6222d41%2a7C0%2a7C0%2a7C637853866134699574%2a7CUnknown%2a7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%2a3D%2a7C3000&sdata=9g%2a2Bii2HUQ8vvp2Xww4hfJx9AalJNmYI7Z0evyberOSo%2a3D&reserved=0__%3bJSUlJSUlJSUlJSUlJSUlJSUlJSUlJSUlJSU%21%21MPCK0opJ%219T-wDb5qKQzMCI2Ue3revx1mQ6l_X92GVFpmooja7HXTGa31oh30cvnyYy7JeK-3wdtijUF8pU41TNQgxE8z-xd_YekX-2UcUN0f$" target="_blank">https://www.barrielibrary.ca/about-bpl/branches/painswick</a> </li><li>Holly Community Library info (to be open June/July 2022!): <a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/can01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%2a3A%2a2F%2a2Furldefense.com%2a2Fv3%2a2F__https%2a3A%2a2Fwww.barrielibrary.ca%2a2Fabout-bpl%2a2Fabout-the-library%2a2Fholly-library__%2a3B%21%21MPCK0opJ%214rBXgzsHCr7BbxOjW9vdgpqLgYw8KEqLOjXl9Gde6xnIe6kHN5hqqW2z6qkwYBUCr3xjrsQIt8qzlxcDTsq9CI7RZvrs2MsW_DNt%2a24&data=04%2a7C01%2a7CAlison.Schroeder%2a40barrielibrary.ca%2a7C7130acb80bfd4d865bbf08da1cb633a3%2a7C64a75167752f44c5a9525d6ec6222d41%2a7C0%2a7C0%2a7C637853866134699574%2a7CUnknown%2a7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%2a3D%2a7C3000&sdata=sfD%2a2FHwRiYqz6zPMeQwBLnRHtWveIHzsVGDTrd8ms5yc%2a3D&reserved=0__%3bJSUlJSUlJSUlJSUlJSUlJSUlJSUlJSUlJSU%21%21MPCK0opJ%219T-wDb5qKQzMCI2Ue3revx1mQ6l_X92GVFpmooja7HXTGa31oh30cvnyYy7JeK-3wdtijUF8pU41TNQgxE8z-xd_YekX-_zQaYdF$" target="_blank">https://www.barrielibrary.ca/about-bpl/about-the-library/holly-library</a> ​<br></li></ul><p><a href="http://library.barrie.ca/" target="_blank"><font color="#0066cc"></font></a> </p><p>​</p>
Barrie Public Library-Painswick BranchBarrie Public Library-Painswick Branch48 Dean Ave<br> Barrie, ON L4N 0C2 <p> 705-728-1010 </p><p><a href="http://library.barrie.ca/" target="_blank"><font color="#0066cc">Barrie Public Library Website</font></a> </p><p>​</p>
Base Borden Public and Military LibraryBase Borden Public and Military LibraryBuilding E-102<br> 41 Kapyong Rd<br> Borden, ON L0M 1C0 <p> 705-424-1200 Ext 2273 </p><p><a href="http://www.cg.cfpsa.ca/cg-pc/Borden/EN/Facilities/Pages/BordenPublicandMilitaryLibrary.aspx" target="_blank"><font color="#0066cc">Base Borden Public and Military Library Website</font></a> ​</p>
Beausoleil First Nation Public Library, Christian IslandBeausoleil First Nation Public Library, Christian Island150 Mkade Kegwin Miikaan<br> Christian Island, ON L9M 0A9 <p> 705-247-2255 </p><p><a href="http://olsn.ca/bfnlibrary" target="_blank"><font color="#0066cc">Beausoleil First Nation Public Library. Christian Island Website</font></a> ​</p>
Bradford West Gwillimbury Public LibraryBradford West Gwillimbury Public Library425 Holland St W<br> Bradford, ON L3Z 0J2 <p> 905-775-3328 </p><p><a href="http://www.bradford.library.on.ca/" target="_blank"><font color="#0066cc">Bradford West Gwillimbury Public Library Website</font></a> ​</p>
Chippewas of Rama First Nations, Public LibraryChippewas of Rama First Nations, Public Library6147 Rama Rd<br> Rama, ON L3V 6H6 <p> 705-325-3611 Ext 1480 ​</p>
Clearview Public Library, Creemore BranchClearview Public Library, Creemore Branch165 Library St<br> Creemore, ON L0M 1G0 <p> 705-466-3011 </p><p><a href="http://www.clearview.library.on.ca/" target="_blank"><font color="#0066cc">Clearview Public Library Website</font></a> ​</p>
Clearview Public Library, Stayner BranchClearview Public Library, Stayner Branch201 Huron St<br> Stayner, ON L0M 1S0 <p> 705-428-3595 </p><p><a href="http://www.clearview.library.on.ca/" target="_blank"><font color="#0066cc">Clearview Public Library Website</font></a> ​</p>
Clearview Public Library, Sunnidale BranchClearview Public Library, Sunnidale Branch5237 County Rd 9<br> New Lowell, ON L0M 1N0 <p> 705-424-6288 </p><p><a href="http://www.clearview.library.on.ca/" target="_blank"><font color="#0066cc">Clearview Public Library Website</font></a></p>
Coldwater Memorial Public LibraryColdwater Memorial Public Library31 Coldwater Rd<br> Coldwater, ON L0K 1E0 <p> 705-686-3601 </p><p><a href="http://www.coldwater.library.on.ca/" target="_blank"><font color="#0066cc">Coldwater Memorial Public Library Website</font></a> </p>
Collingwood Public LibraryCollingwood Public Library55 Ste Marie St<br> Collingwood, ON L9Y 0W6 <p> 705-445-1571 </p><p><a href="http://www.collingwoodpubliclibrary.ca/" target="_blank"><font color="#0066cc">Collingwood Public Library Website</font></a> ​</p>
Essa Public Library, Angus BranchEssa Public Library, Angus Branch8505 County Road 10, Unit 1<br> Angus, ON L0M 1B1 <p> 705-424-6531 </p><p><a href="http://www.essa.library.on.ca/" target="_blank"><font color="#0066cc">Essa Public Library Website</font></a> ​</p>
Essa Public Library, Thornton BranchEssa Public Library, Thornton Branch34 Robert St<br> Thornton, ON L0L 2N0 <p> 705-458-2549 </p><p><a href="http://www.essa.library.on.ca/" target="_blank"><font color="#0066cc">Essa Public Library Website</font></a> ​</p>
Innisfil Public Library, Lakeshore BranchInnisfil Public Library, Lakeshore Branch967 Innisfil Beach Rd<br> Innisfil, ON L9S 1V3 <p> 705-431-7410 </p><p><a href="http://www.innisfil.library.on.ca/" target="_blank"><font color="#0066cc">Innisfil Public Library Website</font></a> ​</p>
Innisfil Public Library, Stroud BranchInnisfil Public Library, Stroud Branch7883 Yonge St N<br> Innisfil, ON L9S 1K8 <p> 705-436-1681 </p><p><a href="http://www.innisfil.library.on.ca/" target="_blank"><font color="#0066cc">Innisfil Public Library Website</font></a> ​</p>
Innisfil Public Library, Churchill BranchInnisfil Public Library, Churchill Branch2282 4th Line<br> Churchill, ON L0L 1K0 <p> 705-456-2671 </p><p><a href="http://www.innisfil.library.on.ca/" target="_blank"><font color="#0066cc">Innisfil Public Library Website</font></a> ​</p>
Innisfil Public Library, Cookstown BranchInnisfil Public Library, Cookstown Branch20 Church St<br> Cookstown, ON L0L 1L0 <p> 705-458-1273 </p><p><a href="http://www.innisfil.library.on.ca/" target="_blank"><font color="#0066cc">Innisfil Public Library Website</font></a> ​</p>
Midland Public LibraryMidland Public Library320 King St<br> Midland, ON L4R 3M6 <p> 705-526-4216 </p><p><a href="/welcoming/feeling" target="_blank"><font color="#0066cc">Midland Public Library Website</font></a> ​</p>
New Tecumseth Public Library, DA Jones Branch, BeetonNew Tecumseth Public Library, DA Jones Branch, Beeton42 Main St W<br> Beeton, ON L0G 1A0 <p> 905-729-3726 </p><p><a href="http://www.ntpl.ca/" target="_blank"><font color="#0066cc">New Tecumseth Public Library Website</font></a> ​</p>
New Tecumseth Public Library, Memorial Branch, AllistonNew Tecumseth Public Library, Memorial Branch, Alliston17 Victoria St E<br> Alliston, ON L9R 1V6 <p> 705-435-5651 </p><p><a href="http://www.ntpl.ca/" target="_blank"><font color="#0066cc">New Tecumseth Public Library Website</font></a> ​</p>
New Tecumseth Public Library, Pam Kirkpatrick Branch, TottenhamNew Tecumseth Public Library, Pam Kirkpatrick Branch, Tottenham<div>​Tottenham Community Centre<br> 139 Queen St N<br> Tottenham, ON L0G 1W0 <p> 905-936-2291 </p><p><a href="http://www.ntpl.ca/" target="_blank"><font color="#0066cc">New Tecumseth Public Library Website</font></a> ​<br></p></div>
Orillia Public LibraryOrillia Public Library36 Mississaga St W<br> Orillia, ON L3V 3A6 <p> 705-325-2338 </p><p><a href="http://www.orilliapubliclibrary.ca/" target="_blank"><font color="#0066cc">Orillia Public Library Website</font></a> ​</p>
Penetanguishene Public LibraryPenetanguishene Public Library24 Simcoe St<br> Penetanguishene, ON L9M 1R6 <p> 705-549-7164 </p><p><a href="http://www.penetanguishene.library.on.ca/" target="_blank"><font color="#0066cc">Penetanguishene Public Library Website</font></a>​</p>
Ramara Township Public Library, Brechin BranchRamara Township Public Library, Brechin BranchBasement of Medical Centre<br> 3242 Ramara Rd 47<br> Brechin, ON L0K 1B0 <p> 705-484-0476 </p><p><a href="http://www.ramarapubliclibrary.org/" target="_blank"><font color="#0066cc">Ramara Township Public Library Website</font></a> ​</p>
Ramara Township Public Library, Ramara Centre BranchRamara Township Public Library, Ramara Centre Branch5482 Hwy 12 S<br> Atherley, ON L3V 6H5 <p> 705-325-5776 </p><p><a href="http://www.ramarapubliclibrary.org/" target="_blank"><font color="#0066cc">Ramara Township Public Library Website</font></a> ​</p>
Springwater Township Public Library, Elmvale BranchSpringwater Township Public Library, Elmvale Branch50 Queen St W<br> Elmvale, ON L0L 1P0 <p> 705-322-1482 </p><p><a href="http://www.springwater.library.on.ca/" target="_blank"><font color="#0066cc">Springwater Township Public Library Website</font></a> ​</p>
Springwater Township Public Library, Midhurst BranchSpringwater Township Public Library, Midhurst Branch12 Finlay Mill Rd<br> Midhurst, ON L0L 1X1 <p> 705-737-5650 </p><p><a href="http://www.springwater.library.on.ca/" target="_blank"><font color="#0066cc">Springwater Township Public Library Website</font></a> ​</p>
Springwater Township Public Library, Minesing BranchSpringwater Township Public Library, Minesing BranchMinesing Community Centre<br> 2347 Ronald Rd<br> Minesing, ON L0L 1Y0 <p> 705-722-6440 </p><p><a href="http://www.springwater.library.on.ca/" target="_blank"><font color="#0066cc">Springwater Township Public Library Website</font></a> ​</p>
Tay Township Public Library, Port McNicoll BranchTay Township Public Library, Port McNicoll Branch715 Fourth Ave<br> Port McNicoll, ON L0K 1R0 <p> 705-534-3511 </p><p><a href="http://www.tay.library.on.ca/" target="_blank"><font color="#0066cc">Tay Township Public Library Website</font></a> ​</p>
Tay Township Pubic Library, Victoria Harbour BranchTay Township Pubic Library, Victoria Harbour Branch145 Albert St<br> Victoria Harbour, ON L0K 2A0 <p> 705-534-3581 </p><p><a href="http://www.tay.library.on.ca/" target="_blank"><font color="#0066cc">Tay Township Public Library Website</font></a> ​</p>
Tay Township Public Library, Waubaushene BranchTay Township Public Library, Waubaushene Branch17 Thiffault St<br> Waubaushene, ON L0K 2C0 <p> 705-538-1122 </p><p><a href="http://www.tay.library.on.ca/" target="_blank"><font color="#0066cc">Tay Township Public Library Website</font></a> ​</p>
Wasaga Beach Public LibraryWasaga Beach Public Library120 Glenwood Dr<br> Wasaga Beach, ON L9Z 1A5 <p> 705-429-5481 </p><p><a href="http://www.wasagabeach.library.on.ca/" target="_blank"><font color="#0066cc">Wasaga Beach Public Library Website</font></a> ​</p>

The specific services and resources available will vary at each library.