NEWS RELEASE
BARRIE PUBLIC LIBRARY
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In a heartwarming display of community spirit, TD Bank Group recently provided a generous donation to expand the Barrie Public Library's Library of Things collection.
This collection currently includes over 25 unique items that members can borrow for free, including telescopes, musical instruments and sports equipment.
Thanks to TD's donation, the Barrie Public Library (BPL) will be able to add new items to the collection in the new year: 25 tablets pre-loaded with Digital Library apps, decodable read-along books for early learners, as well as kits for families to discover nature and have adventures outdoors.
This support comes just in time to celebrate Giving Tuesday, a day dedicated to celebrating generosity in our community.
“We are incredibly grateful for this support," says Katelyn Lees, philanthropy and resource development specialist at the Barrie Public Library. "The generosity of donors like TD allows the library to expand our current offerings and provide more for our community. This special connection with our local TD branches is a perfect reminder that generosity can spark change in our community and, in this case, it’s the gift that keeps on giving."
TD is an organization that is committed to strengthening communities and promoting sustainability.
"I am incredibly grateful to work for a company like TD that promotes giving back to our communities, and in this case, in a significant way," states Karaleigh Baker, assistant branch manager at TD. "My family and I are avid users of the Barrie Public Library. When I came across the Library of Things, I knew there was potential to connect our community further through a collection of resources available with just your library card."
The Library of Things provides opportunities for members to discover new interests, access recreational items, and borrow wellness and accessibility items for free. It promotes a culture of sustainability, encouraging people to borrow instead of buy.
"This donation not only enhances one of our most popular collections, but also aligns well with our strategic direction of being a green leader in the community," adds Vivien Keiling, the Barrie Public Library's manager of collections. "We're thrilled to be able to continue to grow our Library of Things and expand what our members can access for free."
The top 10 most popular items in BPL's Library of Things collection have been checked out 1,753 times this year to date. The most borrowed items are Ontario Parks Vehicle Permits, Wye Marsh Family Day Pass, telescopes, and fishing rods.
To learn more about the Library of Things or how you too can support your library this holiday season, please visit barrielibrary.ca.
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