Brampton Library Blog

Written by Kate Alatsas - Manager, Children & Youth Services

Category: Blog

Published: 02 April 2019

Do you have a book that you remember reading together with your parents when you were young?

Long before I could read on my own, I could recite Margaret Wise Brown’s Goodnight Moon from memory. I still can. I found the mouse on every page, and counted the mittens - anything to prolong the story, and the special time spent reading together with my parents. In my current role as Manager of Children & Youth Services, I’m regularly transported back to childhood when I come across a familiar title or author on a book cart, or overhear a familiar rhyme during a library branch storytime program.

It’s these warm and fuzzy moments that remind me why I love my job so much. I hope that our newest initiative will create similar happy moments and special memories for all the babies born in Brampton this year.

Our A Reader is Born initiative provides newborns with their very first book, a gift to keep that is given out by nurses to new parents. Along with the book, we’ve included an invitation for all babies born in Brampton to receive their first library card, giving them (and their parents!) access to thousands of stories, free programming, and resources.

As librarians, we know that early literacy is an important factor in academic success. We also know that early learning doesn’t have to be complicated. What could be easier than reading to your baby every day?

As a public library, we are committed to supporting parents on their early learning journey and celebrating a love of reading with all residents of Brampton. We’re thrilled to be working closely with our local hospital team and thank them for being our on-site advocates with new parents at Brampton Civic Hospital.

I am happy to hear your feedback, please drop me a line anytime at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

I hope to see you soon at the Library!

Written by Eva Stepanian, Digital Strategies Librarian

Category: Blog

Published: 11 February 2019

Flowers, candy, cards, stuffed animals...

As Valentine's Day approaches, we thought we would offer an alternative way to give something from the heart (pun very much intended).

Whether you take the day seriously or not, celebrate it coupled or otherwise, at least consider these ideas as an excuse to get into our makerspaces and gain some 3D Printing skills!

1. Three heart gears

Starting off with a really nerdy one here, but we know you'll appreciate it. Gear up for a fun print, with these heart gears.

2. Secret heart box

Keep those tiny valuables secret, or use it as a symbol of keeping your loved one's heart safe. Either way, send us a picture of this one if you print it!

3. Open your heart…

...and fill it with candy! This one is impressive both because it's a very cool thing to have made yourself, but also because it can potentially hold sweet treats. 

4. Twisted heart vase

Go for this print to house a lovely bouquet, or print it for yourself in anticipation of all the flowers you'll be receiving. One can never be too prepared.

5. Heart bookmark

Let's be honest, we're all book nerds at heart. Print 2 of these, one for you, and one for a book loving friend!

6. Heart cookie cutters

A cartoonish heart with wings, if you're feeling whimsical. 

Or, an anatomical heart, if you're feeling like a realist. Both equally romantic, of course.

7. Barista Milk Froth Stencil

It's always nice to put a little extra effort in on Valentine's Day, especially on one's self. Make yourself an extra fancy, extra ironic latte, extra foam. 

Please share your #Makerspace creations with us @Bramptonlibrary! 

Written by Rebecca Raven, CEO

Category: Blog

Published: 20 February 2019

On March 19, Brampton Library begins its exclusive partnership with cloudLibrary as our content provider for both eBooks and eAudiobooks. This is an exciting move for us, as it allows us to leverage far greater title selection through the exclusive ‘cloudLinking’ system.

Our involvement in cloudLinking offers seamless access to a wider selection of available eBooks and eAudiobooks for you to borrow and enjoy. The linked system has now grown to 14 public libraries across Ontario, with collections continuing to grow as new participating libraries join.

Libraries across the country are experiencing huge growth in checkouts of eBooks and eAudiobooks. We have seen a 15% growth in eBook checkouts and 30% growth in eAudiobook checkouts per year.  I love hearing about the many ways that audiobooks are enjoyed by our customers - folks are listening while they commute, exercise, even while completing their household chores. Meanwhile in our branches, I assure you that physical books aren’t going away.  Brampton Library continues to grow our collections both digitally and of course, in traditional print formats.

There’s been a lot of talk in the media lately about the high cost libraries face in purchasing eContent.  Libraries are passionate about delivering new bestsellers and the widest possible selection of titles as soon as they are available. The high cost is a major struggle for public libraries and so is the licensing system. Sometimes there are titles we cannot get at any price, because publishers have chosen to exclude public library access in their licensing agreements. For example, we cannot currently offer Canadian titles such as Justin Trudeau’s biography or Louise Penny’s latest mystery novel, as these titles are simply not available to us in the audiobook format.

Will you help us to combat these challenges?

Advocacy will help us improve access for Canadian libraries. Consider becoming familiar with the issues that face your borrowing power. To find out more, visit  https://econtentforlibraries.org/

Our move to cloudLibrary as the exclusive content provider for eBooks and eAudiobooks is just one of the ways that Brampton Library works together with other libraries to gain the greatest access to title selection and availability for you.

Written by Rebecca Raven, CEO Brampton Library

Category: Blog

Published: 19 December 2018

As 2018 quickly passes into the history books, I am delighted to take a few moments to check in with all of you.

This has been an incredible year for Brampton Library; it is hard sometimes for me to believe that all of this has happened in just the past 12 months:

• Complete redesign of our website bramptonlibrary.ca, your portal for unparalleled free digital products and services. With bright graphics and clear navigation, our new website is a fully accessible environment that supports you. As an organization dedicated to public service, ease of access is a core tenet of all we do.
• In response to your request for more time, we were thrilled to announce an important service expansion: All our branches are now open from 10:00 am - 9:00 pm every Monday through Thursday and 10:00 am - 6:00 pm every Friday through Sunday, except on holidays
• Children’s materials (with a few exceptions) are now fine-free! 

• Launches of new digital products available free with your library card on our website: STEM Village for children and their caregivers, Gale Small Business Builder for entrepreneurs of all description and Kanopy for streaming films and TV shows for all ages
• Building on our ‘Library of Things’ borrowable collection with the introduction of GoPro kits and Starling baby word trackers to join children’s Launchpad tablets, already in circulation
• Opening our newest Springdale Branch Library at Bramalea Road, just north of Sandalwood Parkway. With walls of glass and stunning lighting features, Springdale literally calls out to its neighbours to come in and be a part of it and you have responded: with 1000 visits per day, 7 days per week.
• Celebrating 160 years of public libraries in our community. We started with just two shelves of books in the Mechanic’s Institute many decades ago! Today, Brampton Library has 7 branches, with an 8th under construction, and a new van, Brampton LIbrary On-the-go, bound for schools, community centres and under-served areas
• Our maker spaces are busier than ever!  Vinyl cutters, 3D printers, scanners and much more are available free of charge at our Four Corners, Chinguacousy and Springdale branch locations. Check in with our knowledgeable and friendly staff for assistance or an introduction to these technologies.

I began my career as a children’s librarian and remain devoted to advocating for the public library’s important role in a safe, democratic and supportive society. I was honoured and delighted to be invited to speak at Brampton’s first ever TEDx event: The Next Level.

How do public libraries embody the concept of ‘next level’? While libraries have been around for centuries, the public library has completely reinvented itself in our communities in the last decade. Gone are the days when librarians sat behind the desk, waiting for people to approach us to find a book that would answer a question.  Our business model has morphed from content provision to the facilitation of content creation. To hear more, I invite you to watch the talk and leave your comments, please visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L51h8BBu7b8

Looking ahead, we are at the halfway mark in our 2017-21 strategic plan. I look forward to connecting with you on our stated goals to be a strong community presence, neighbourhood champion, place for belonging, great service experience and respected leader.

Be sure to connect with us, too. We are on social media -- Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @bramptonlibrary. Send me an email (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) or call (905) 793-4636.

Heartfelt wishes for a happy and healthy holiday season. We look forward to seeing you in our branches in the new year!