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PRESENTATION REGARDING THE BARRIE PUBLIC LIBRARY PROPOSED 2023 BUDGET REQUEST
Lauren Jessop, Chief Executive Officer for the Barrie Public Library, and Austin Mitchell, Chair of the Barrie Public Library Board provided a presentation concerning the Barrie Public Library (BPL) proposed 2023 Budget request. She commented that the Budget request maintains service levels while expanding community outreach collections and the creation of flexible, inclusive, and engaging spaces.
Ms. Jessop and Mr. Mitchell discussed slides concerning the following topics:
• The objectives and achievements of the new Holly Community Library;
• The expansion community outreach, including the “BPL on the GO” and “Book Bike” programs;
• An overview of the BPL mission to support literacy, inclusiveness, learning, and engagement with the community;
• A summary of the increases in the community’s usage of digital library services, online learning, technology, and eResources;
• The expansion of library services and refreshed spaces;
• A summary of the BPL’s 2023 Budget including expenses and revenues;
• The Barrie Public Library alignment with the City’s 2022-2026 Strategic Priorities;
• An overview of the social supports, services and programs available to the community and in partnership with community partners, volunteers and social agencies;
• The priorities of the BPL; and
• The next steps and future plans for the Barrie Public Library.
In closing, Mr. Mitchell highlighted that the library supports individual growth, entertains, and educates through programming that is provided to the community at no cost. He expressed that Barrie Public Library staff are continuously working to ensure more people can discover opportunities inside and outside the walls of the Library.
Members of City Council asked a number of questions of Ms. Jessop and Mr. Mitchell and received responses.