Here are some details about our resources for Primary, Secondary, and Post-secondary students. 

All resources and services are free with your Brampton Library card and can be accessed from home, school, or on the go! Learn more about how to get a library card and subscribe to our newsletters to be the first to know about Brampton Library news. 

Primary

Free tutoring and homework help

Brainfuse HelpNow is an online service that gives students one-on-one virtual homework help from professional tutors trained in the K-12 Ontario curriculum. Get feedback on your writing, access practice tests for the EQAO, and more. Tutors are available to assist you from 2:00 pm to 11:00 pm every day, and support is available in English and French. Apple and Android apps are available for mobile devices. Learn how to get started with Brainfuse. 

Resources to support literacy

Decodable books are designed to help emergent or struggling readers with a phonics or code-based approach to reading. Decodable books come in sets and levels to build phonic knowledge gradually, making them a valuable tool for improving literacy skills. Find decodable books in our catalogue.

VOX Books are enhanced picture books with full audio recordings that capture children’s attention and make learning and literacy development fun. Each VOX Book includes a permanently attached VOX Reader that transforms an ordinary picture book into an all-in-one read-along. Find VOX books in our catalogue.

C-Pen ReaderPen is a portable, text-to-speech scanning device that helps readers build fluency, improve literacy, and read independently. The C-Pen uses AI-based text recognition to scan, display and read aloud written text. It also includes a built-in dictionary to help students navigate unfamiliar words. This device can benefit students with a reading disability, neurodiverse learners, and English language learners. Learn more about the C-Pen ReaderPen. 

Launchpads are educational tablets that cover a wide range of subjects for young learners. The Reading Academy series is a 5-level guided system that helps students master verbal, reading, and writing skills. Every app, storybook, and video has been hand-selected to help kids gain the skills they need to become confident readers. Since everything is pre-loaded and no WiFi is needed, you can take Reading Academy Launchpads wherever you go. Find Reading Academy Launchpads in our catalogue.

Reading material in accessible formats

Brampton Library provides access to accessible collections in partnership with the Centre for Equitable Library Access (CELA). The CELA collection includes award winners, best sellers, fiction and non-fiction with a special emphasis on Canadian authors and stories. Discover titles for kids and teens in DAISY audio and braille, including Forest of Reading nominees and award winners. The CELA collection is available to anyone with a print disability, as well as educators and professionals who work with people with print disabilities. Learn how to register and access CELA collections and services.

Brampton Library’s largest collection of e-books and e-audiobooks is exclusively available on cloudLibrary. Borrow titles for 21 days and benefit from an intuitive browsing, reading, and listening experience. Apple and Android apps are compatible with VoiceOver and Talkback on mobile devices, and you can customize reading settings for your needs and preferences. Learn how to get started with cloudLibrary. 

Skill-building tools for STEAM

Launchpads are educational tablets that cover a wide range of subjects for young learners. The STEAM Academy series weaves together the science, technology, engineering, art, and math skills learned in the classroom and connects them to things kids see every day.  Every app, storybook, and video has been hand-selected to help kids develop problem solving skills in a fun and accessible way. Since everything is pre-loaded and no WiFi is needed, you can take STEAM Academy Launchpads wherever you go. Find STEAM Academy Launchpads in our catalogue.

Brampton Library offers Bird kits, which include everything learners need to observe wild birds in their natural habitat. Each bird kit comes in a backpack that includes binoculars, a bird identification guide, and other helpful resources. Our partner Birds Canada also offers an online Birds at the Library course to complement these kits, which is a great educational tool to extend student learning. Learn more about bird kits here.

Board games give students the opportunity to practice strategic thinking, decision making, and problem solving, all while promoting collaboration, communication, and enhancing social skills overall. We offer many board games that are easy to pick up and play, for families and groups with various levels of experience. We also provide games for younger children and some complex strategy games, to appeal to a variety of ages and preferences. Learn more about board games here.

Curriculum-aligned textbooks

SOLARO study guides are workbooks aligned with the Ontario curriculum and designed to complement classroom instruction. Each unit of a SOLARO study guide includes lessons explaining essential concepts, along with exercises and practice questions. Detailed solutions are also shared to help students understand problem-solving approaches. Subjects covered for grades 3 to 6 include Math, Science, and English Language. Place a hold on a SOLARO study guide using our catalogue.

French language learning support

Brainfuse HelpNow offers French language learning support aligned with the Ontario curriculum. Connect with a French tutor through the Language Lab and get instant virtual homework help in French. French Writing Help is also available through the Writing Lab, where students can submit a draft essay or written assignment for feedback. Apple and Android apps are available for mobile devices. Learn how to get started with Brainfuse. 

Mango Languages helps students communicate with confidence in French (along with over 70 world languages). Online lessons are self-paced and teach language through conversational, bite-sized listening and reading exercises. Students can expect to pick up on new vocabulary, work through unfamiliar grammatical structures, and train their pronunciation. Apple and Android apps are available for mobile devices. Learn how to get started with Mango Languages.

Educational films and documentaries

Kanopy gives you free streaming access to educational entertainment for all ages. In the Kanopy Kids section, you'll find movies, TV shows, and animated picture books for children ages 2 and up. Documentaries, classic and independent cinema, and world language films are also available to enhance studies both inside and outside the classroom. Apple and Android apps are available for mobile devices.  Learn how to get started with Kanopy. 

Download and print back to school packages for your students:

Secondary

Free tutoring and homework help

Brainfuse HelpNow is an online service that gives students one-on-one virtual homework help from professional tutors trained in the K-12 Ontario curriculum. Get feedback on your writing, access practice tests for the OSSLT, and more. Tutors are available to assist you from 2:00 pm to 11:00 pm every day, and support is available in English and French. Apple and Android apps are available for mobile devices. Learn how to get started with Brainfuse. 

Resources to support literacy

C-Pen ReaderPen is a portable, text-to-speech scanning device that helps readers build fluency, improve literacy, and read independently. The C-Pen uses AI-based text recognition to scan, display and read aloud written text. It also includes a built-in dictionary to help students navigate unfamiliar words. This device can benefit students with a reading disability, neurodiverse learners, and English language learners. Learn more about the C-Pen ReaderPen. 

Brampton Library’s largest collection of e-books and e-audiobooks is exclusively available on cloudLibrary. Borrow titles for 21 days and benefit from an intuitive browsing, reading, and listening experience. Apple and Android apps are available for mobile devices. Learn how to get started with cloudLibrary. 

Can't decide what to read next? Try the Help Me Find a Good Book service. Let us know your reading preferences and our librarians will send you customized reading recommendations in the formats of your choice. To get started with Help Me Find a Good Book, fill out the online form.

Reading material in accessible formats

Brampton Library provides access to accessible collections in partnership with the Centre for Equitable Library Access (CELA). The CELA collection includes award winners, best sellers, fiction and non-fiction with a special emphasis on Canadian authors and stories. Discover titles for kids and teens in DAISY audio and braille, including Forest of Reading nominees and award winners. The CELA collection is available to anyone with a print disability, as well as educators and professionals who work with people with print disabilities. Learn how to register and access CELA collections and services.

Skill-building tools for STEAM

Brampton Library offers Bird kits, which include everything learners need to observe wild birds in their natural habitat. Each bird kit comes in a backpack that includes binoculars, a bird identification guide, and other helpful resources. Our partner Birds Canada also offers an online Birds at the Library course to complement these kits, which is a great educational tool to extend student learning. Learn more about bird kits here.

Board games give students the opportunity to practice strategic thinking, decision making, and problem solving, all while promoting collaboration, communication, and enhancing social skills overall. We offer many games that are easy to pick up and play, for families and groups with various levels of experience. We also provide games for younger children and some complex strategy games, to appeal to a variety of ages and preferences. Learn more about board games here.

Curriculum-aligned textbooks

SOLARO study guides are workbooks aligned with the Ontario curriculum and designed to complement classroom instruction. Each unit of a SOLARO study guide includes lessons explaining essential concepts, along with exercises and practice questions. Detailed solutions are also shared to help students understand problem-solving approaches. Subjects covered for grades 7 to 12 include Math, Science, Chemistry, Biology, Physics, OSSLT Prep and English. Place a hold on a SOLARO study guide using our catalogue.

Brampton Library staff have also curated a Curriculum Support Reading List with books that you would typically find on any secondary school reading list. This list is updated regularly.

French language learning support

Brainfuse HelpNow offers French language learning support aligned with the Ontario curriculum. Connect with a French tutor through the Language Lab and get instant virtual homework help in French. French Writing Help is also available through the Writing Lab, where students can submit a draft essay or written assignment for feedback. Apple and Android apps are available for mobile devices. Learn how to get started with Brainfuse. 

Mango Languages helps students communicate with confidence in French (along with over 70 world languages). Online lessons are self-paced and teach language through conversational, bite-sized listening and reading exercises. Students can expect to pick up on new vocabulary, work through unfamiliar grammatical structures, and train their pronunciation. Apple and Android apps are available for mobile devices. Learn how to get started with Mango Languages.

Educational films and documentaries

Kanopy gives you free streaming access to educational entertainment for all ages. Documentaries, classic and independent cinema, and world language films are available to enhance studies both inside and outside the classroom. Find content from studios including The Great Courses, PBS, A&E, The History Channel, Criterion Collection, BBC Studios, HBO Documentary Films and more.  Apple and Android apps are available for mobile devices. Learn how to get started with Kanopy.

Additional learning resources

Creativebug is an online resource that connects learners to high-quality fine art and hand-crafting classes. Explore a wide range of creative mediums and learn new techniques with guidance from expert instructors. Benefit from an unlimited number of free classes, self-paced and designed for all skill levels. Apple and Android apps are available for mobile devices. Learn how to get started with Creativebug. 

Gale General OneFile is a research database providing access to a large collection of scholarly journals, periodicals, newspapers, and reference sources you can trust. Research is made easy with citation tools, highlights, and notes. Send articles directly to email, Google Drive, or Microsoft OneDrive. This is a great tool to support high school assignments and projects, and helps students develop research skills needed in college and university. Learn how to get started with Gale General OneFile. 

LinkedIn Learning offers unlimited access to over 16,000 video courses covering the latest business, technology, and creative skills. Whether it's picking up a new programming language, learning how to professionally edit videos, improving your study skills, or delivering more effective presentations, LinkedIn Learning has something for everyone. Learn at your own pace, anytime and anywhere, with the Apple and Android apps for mobile devices. Learn how to get started with LinkedIn Learning.

Download and print back to school packages for your students:

Post-secondary

Online research tools and study aids

Gale General OneFile is a research database providing access to a large collection of scholarly journals, periodicals, newspapers, and reference sources you can trust. Research is made easy with citation tools, highlights, and notes. Send articles directly to email, Google Drive, or Microsoft OneDrive. This is a great tool for adult learners and professionals, and provides general research support for post-secondary students. Learn how to get started with Gale General OneFile. 

Brampton Library has textbooks that support a range of subjects and levels of study. Prepare for standardized tests like IELTS, MCAT, SAT, and other professional exams with practice tests and strategy guides. Explore textbooks and test preparation guides in our catalogue.  In addition, Kaplan flashcards are available to help students prepare for the LSAT (Law School Admission Test) and MCAT (Medical College Admission Test). Place a hold on LSAT flashcards through our catalogue here.  Place a hold on MCAT flashcards through our catalogue here.

Keep in mind that while Brampton Library has textbooks that support a wide broad range of needs, our collection does not include subject-specific textbooks in all areas of study. If you currently attend a post-secondary institution, remember your college or university library offers resources to support your coursework.

Free job coaching and interview practice

Brainfuse Job Now is an online service designed to support every step of the job search process. JobNow features live job coaching and interview practice, and a full-service resume lab to help you craft a winning resume. Job coaches are available to assist you from 2:00 pm to 11:00 pm every day. Apple and Android apps are available for mobile devices. Learn how to get started with Brainfuse JobNow.

Reading material in accessible formats

Brampton Library’s largest collection of e-books and e-audiobooks is exclusively available on cloudLibrary. Borrow titles for 21 days and benefit from an intuitive browsing, reading, and listening experience. Apple and Android apps are compatible with VoiceOver and Talkback on mobile devices, and you can customize reading settings for your needs and preferences. Learn how to get started with cloudLibrary. 

Brampton Library provides access to accessible collections in partnership with the Centre for Equitable Library Access (CELA). The CELA collection includes award winners, best sellers, fiction and non-fiction with a special emphasis on Canadian authors and stories. Discover titles for adults in DAISY audio, braille, and other alternate formats, as well as current issues of magazines and regularly updated newspapers. The CELA collection is available to anyone with a print disability, as well as educators and professionals who work with people with print disabilities. Learn how to register and access CELA collections and services.

C-Pen ReaderPen is a portable, text-to-speech scanning device that helps readers build fluency, improve literacy, and read independently. The C-Pen uses AI-based text recognition to scan, display and read aloud written text. It also includes a built-in dictionary to help students navigate unfamiliar words. This device can benefit students with a reading disability, neurodiverse learners, and English language learners. Learn more about the C-Pen ReaderPen. 

Online courses for student success, essay prep, study skills, and more

LinkedIn Learning offers unlimited access to over 16,000 video courses covering the latest business, technology, and creative skills. Whether it's picking up a new programming language, advancing your proficiency in a software , improving your study skills, or delivering more effective presentations, LinkedIn Learning has something for everyone. Learn at your own pace, anytime and anywhere, with the Apple and Android apps for mobile devices. Learn how to get started with LinkedIn Learning.

O'Reilly offers instant access to the latest e-books and online learning content from today's major technology and business publishers. Designed to support students and professionals working to advance their careers, O'Reilly curates content from trusted sources to help learners upskill in specialized areas and prepare for what's next. Learn in a way that works with your schedule — with certification guides, practice exams, case studies, interactive tutorials, and videos — available on-demand. Learn how to get started with O’Reilly.

Gale Courses offers a broad range of online courses led by college instructors. With a focus on professional and personal development, course coverage includes topics in business, technology, education, law, health and wellness, and personal finance. New courses begin each month, and lessons are assigned twice a week, enhanced with images, videos, and games to support varied learning styles. Users will enjoy a self-paced learning environment and engagement with fellow students and the instructor through weekly discussion boards. Learn how to get started with Gale Courses.

Language learning support

Mango Languages helps learners prepare for conversation and strengthen everyday communication skills with over 70 world language courses and more than 20 ESL/ELL specialty courses. Online lessons are self-paced and teach language through conversational, bite-sized listening and reading exercises. Apple and Android apps are available for mobile devices. Learn how to get started with Mango Languages.

Road to IELTS is an online resource that provides general and academic training for the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam. Learners get over 120 hours of intensive English vocabulary, reading, writing, listening and speaking tasks. Access advice videos & tutorials from British Council experts, practice zones, downloadable e-books, timed practice tests, and more. 

Start using Road to IELTS General.

Start using Road to IELTS Academic.

Educational films and documentaries

Kanopy gives you free streaming access to over 30,000 movies, TV series, documentaries, classic and independent cinema, and world language films. Find high-quality, thought provoking content to support your learning in school and beyond. Apple and Android apps are available for mobile devices. Learn how to get started with Kanopy.

Resources for leisure and learning

Creativebug is an online resource that connects learners to high-quality fine art and hand-crafting classes. Explore a wide range of creative mediums and learn new techniques with guidance from expert instructors. Benefit from an unlimited number of free classes, self-paced and designed for all skill levels. Apple and Android apps are available for mobile devices. Learn how to get started with Creativebug. 

PressReader is an online resource that gives you unlimited access to thousands of today's top newspapers and magazines from around the world in over 60 languages. Read your favourite titles anytime, anywhere, and stay connected and informed with news that matters to you. Learn how to get started with PressReader. 

Download and print back to school packages for your students:

 

Visit the Library!

For the 2022-23 school year, visit a Brampton Library Branch or have us come to you! Learn more about how to book a class visit.