Welcome
The Excitement is Building
Imagine a building that’s more than twice as big as Orillia’s old public library, with enough space to accommodate diverse needs, extensive collections, quiet spaces for individual and group study, interactive exhibits and a dazzling array of community programs. Imagine a cultural hub with top-notch service, powerful technology and special attractions on every floor.
Happily, the residents of Orillia and surrounding area will not have to imagine such a modern, state-of-the-art library much longer. The wait is almost over. The new Orillia Public Library will be a reality when the doors open.
Orillia has grabbed an exciting opportunity to build an extraordinary new kind of library–a library for the 21st century, with a vast array of programs and services, rich resources and a convergence of technology, space, art, discovery and dialogue.
One of the grandest and most important public facilities the city will ever build, the new library will stand as a model of architectural achievement and environmental leadership, reflecting Orillia’s position as a growing and vibrant city that values culture, diversity, excellence and quality of life.
Most importantly, it will provide all Orillia residents universal access to the information, knowledge, powerful technology, and learning opportunities they will need to meet the challenges of the future.
Library Stats
On Nov 14, 2009, Orillia Public Library closed the doors of the white brick building on Mississaga Street West and settled into its temporary location at 500 Gill Street, to await the opening of the new premises.
It iss worth noting that the inconveniences of the temporary location on Gill Street have not deterred library patrons in the least. By December 2010, the library was able to report a 22% increase in adult members and a 15% increase in youth members.
This is a testament to the vitally important role our public library plays in daily community life. In fact ...
Library use hits a peak
By Julie Langpeter, The Packet & Times
With the opening of the new Orillia Public Library downtown just months away, library users are feeling the squeeze at the temporary site on Gill Street.
Tuesday, was the busiest day in recent memory at the library, with more than 1,500 items — which includes books, CDs and DVDs — being taken out and 2,600 returned. On an average day, 800 to 1,000 items are taken out.
"The day after a long weekend is always busy, but Tuesday was incredible. We had people lined up at our door before we opened, and it ...
