Library Co-operative History

The County Library Co-operative's roots go back over sixty years.

The County of Simcoe Library Association was created in 1940 as a result of a meeting of representatives of the libraries in Simcoe County in March, 1939 at the Barrie Public Library.

The County Library Association originally operated out of the Barrie Public Library with the Barrie Librarian, Miss Lila McPhee, as its only staff member.

In 1947, the Association became the County of Simcoe Library Co-operative.

In 1954, the County Library was given space in the new County Court House in Barrie, and in 1973 it moved into the new County Administration Centre in Midhurst. 

The mandate of the County Co-operative has changed over the years; however, the County Library Co-operative continues to support and enhance the services of public libraries throughout the County.