Barrie library welcomes new support to bridge gaps in the community

A local library has become more than just a place to borrow and read books.

As part of its commitment to serving the community, The Barrie Public Library (BPL) in Downtown Barrie will introduce its first community navigator.

The new community navigator will work with individuals who are experiencing issues like homelessness, unsafe housing, food insecurity, poverty, unemployment, mental health crises and addictions.

“Over 20 years anecdotal of data tells us that homeless individuals do utilize libraries during the day. But this is now an opportunity to capture that data," said Mina Fayez-Bahgat, general manager of the County of Simcoe Social Services.

Starting this week, the Counselling and Wellness Program (CFS) will initiate Ayeshah Karim-Mian who is tasked with addressing those issues in her new role as the library’s community navigator.

“This position will play a front door for mental health and other community resources,” said Karim-Mian.

CFS is a Canadian charity that provides inclusive counselling, psychotherapy, and psycho-educational wellness programs.

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"As CFS is dedicated to working in collaboration with our community partners, we are very excited to join BPL in delivering this program," said CFS executive director Michelle Bergin. "This initiative perfectly aligns with our new strategic plan's objective to increase our impact by bringing service to our local community."

This position is part of a pilot project that will be in place from April 29 to December 31.

"We see people from all over socioeconomic background here in the library. Sometimes they do fall into those gaps where the service need cannot be met," said Karim-Mian.

Ayesha will be available for drop-in sessions at all three of the BPL branches, with a focus on the downtown library.

"This position will help those individuals facing complex societal issues while allowing library staff to focus on the library services they were trained to provide. We look forward to seeing the positive outcomes," said Lauren Jessop, CEO of the BPL.