The Barker Free Library was founded in March 1938, with a mission to inspire, empower, educate, and support our community.

Tragically, on January 20, 2019, the Barker community faced an immense loss when the village hall and library, which was originally the Barker Train Station, was consumed by fire. Neighbors alerted emergency services around midnight after spotting flames. The blaze completely destroyed the building, leaving behind only charred pages of books.

After 5½ years of hard work, the new Barker Village Hall and Library opened its doors to the public on June 3, 2024. The new structure, designed in a pole barn style, closely resembles the original building. Village officials reported that the reconstruction project cost approximately $1.2 million, funded through insurance, state grants, and generous contributions from local community members. We are incredibly grateful for all the donations, effort, and support provided by the community, village, NIOGA library system, and neighboring libraries!

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​Click the link below to view the news report about the Barker Public Library fire.