Brampton Library Blog

Written by Andrea Querido, Guest Blogger

Category: Blog

Published: 16 October 2019

If you’ve visited your local library lately, you know it offers so much more than “just” books. Modern libraries are a place of connection, belonging, and community. Next week, from October 20-26, 2019, libraries and library partners across the country raise awareness of the valuable role libraries play in Canadians' lives.

If you’ve read my previous blog posts, you’ll know that I’ve always found solace at the library. It’s a welcoming place where you can get connected with a new passion, skill, as well as other students, parents (their kids’ programs are where it’s at!), and friends just waiting to be made in your neighbourhood.

In celebration of Ontario Public Library Week, I thought I’d share just a few of the ways libraries have impacted me in a positive way.

1. My favourite time of day was when my dad and I would bond over a bedtime story I had chosen from my school library.
2. As a kid recovering from open-heart surgery, when it was too cold to be outside, I found solace in my school’s library.
3. As a teenager, when my world seemed to be falling in on itself, the library offered a quiet comfort.
4. During those late-night/early morning feeds with my newborn, the library provided much-needed entertainment (and helped keep me awake) with the latest reads.
5. Whether it’s a rainy day or because we need something to keep our active 5-year-old busy, the library offers a wide array of activities led by helpful and encouraging staff/volunteers.
6. A lifelong learner, books from my local library have taught me about everything from digital marketing and psychology to taking me on whirlwind adventures and learning about the lives of those who are making an impact in the world.
7. The feeling of connection, community, sharing ideas, learning new skills, being inspired… you can find all that – and more – at the library.

Alright, your turn! How has your local library positively impacted YOUR life?

Written by Andrea Querido

Category: Blog

Published: 13 September 2019

There’s an old saying: “When the student is ready, the teacher will appear”. With a new school year fully in session, so kicks in my nostalgia for learning in a classroom. And while a lot of us think we might be past the age of participating in a traditional school system, I truly believe you’re never too old to learn new things. In fact, lifelong learning is just a few keystrokes away, courtesy of The Brampton Library.

I was introduced to Gale Courses by a lovely librarian stationed at an information table at the Four Corners branch during a Sunday afternoon visit. While it was the first time I had heard about the online learning portal, it wouldn’t be the last… Upon my return home, I decided to do some digging.

That was almost three years ago.

Since then, I’ve taken almost a dozen online courses on various topics (that include both professional and personal interest). Here’s just a snapshot of the things I’ve learned:

• Certificate in Mindfulness. This was the first Gale Course I took and I absolutely loved it. In fact, I still practice some of the mindfulness methods I learned to help stave off anxiety and promote calm in my life.

• Writing for Children. I love writing almost as much as I love reading, so this one was one I just had to take. Plus, having a little one at home, I was curious about the process. It was a great introduction to the art of writing for children – and introduced me to a few authors I had yet to meet.

• Become a Veterinary Assistant. While I took this course during a “what should I do with my life?” phase, it was extremely interesting and I recommend it as general knowledge for those of you who have furry friend(s) at home.

• Using Social Media in Business. Love it or hate it, social media seems to be here to stay. This course provided me with a solid foundation and thorough understanding of what social media is and how you can use it to grow your business. This is also a great one if you’ve just started wading in the water of all things social, and need a little encouragement to dive right in.

• Certificate in Women’s Health Issues. Did you know women’s diseases are often understudied and funded? Or that the ability to effectively communicate their needs also impacts women's health? This course was an eye opener, and empowered me to learn about key health issues facing women, both globally and nationally.

I love online learning for a few reasons: ease of use, convenience, and flexibility, to name just a few. So whether it’s personal growth or professional advancement, your portal to online education is just a click away. Simply visit bramptonlibrary.ca > Learn > Online Learning.

Have you taken an online course through the Brampton Library? Share your stories with me @whatandrearead and @Bramptonlibrary!

Written by Latifat Adeshina

Category: Blog

Published: 12 October 2019

Brampton Library is excited to launch its new South West Branch in the fast-growing Embleton neighbourhood. Our new location in the Lionhead Marketplace offers ‘one-stop shopping’ with surrounding retail, banking and food options. Parents and caregivers will enjoy the early literacy programs available for children from birth to age six as Bridgeway/EarlyON Child and Family Centre will be offering many programs at this branch.

At this exciting new branch you can expect to borrow new fiction, non-fiction, children’s books, magazines, DVD’s, GoPro kits, Launchpads and many other resources. Library staff will be happy to share many more benefits of library membership including eBooks, Audiobooks and eLearning. 

This is your space for upgrading skills and qualifications using the resources we offer. Brampton Library offers free programs and services including our digital resources, with some exceptions. 

Explore convenient and efficient library service in our newest location at 8405 Financial Drive near Mississauga Road. We cannot wait to welcome you to our new branch in the Lionhead Marketplace when it opens later this year. 

Written by Eva Stepanian, Digital Strategies Librarian

Category: Blog

Published: 22 August 2019

You’ve been hearing it all over the place, in every store and each commercial: BACK TO SCHOOL!

But here’s the thing, we think that somewhere between school supply lists and your kids growing resentment at summer ending, there is still room to have a bit of fun and spend some time together - at the library! 

Well, specifically, at one of our makerspaces. Because the only thing more satisfying than new school supplies has to be *customized* school supplies.

We’ve pulled together a few quick and simple projects that will help make your children’s stuff cooler - and maybe prevent them from losing them (wishful thinking?).

1. Customized Binders

Probably the simplest and quickest of the options, all you need to do is drop by the makerspace and hop on to the design computer to type out your desired subject names, choose your font and adhesive vinyl colour (free) and get to printing on the Silhouette Cameo cutter! The hardest part will be sticking these on in a straight line - but that’s optional.

1. Pencil Case with Personality

Have your children’s creativity run wild as they design their own pencil case stickers. The sky really is the limit here, and again, all you need to do is go to the makerspace and let the magic happen - will they go for their name? favourite character? A quote or symbol? Decisions, decisions...

1. Name that...anything. 

For the slightly more experienced and invested maker project, consider labelling your child’s name - on anything! In the case of hard objects, the vinyl provided in the library makerspace will do, but if you want to make custom fabric labels, you’ll just need to bring your own transfer vinyl with you!

Find the full instructions here.