Five years ago, Brampton Library launched its first Local Authors Showcase to provide new and emerging authors in Peel Region with a place in our collection as well as a platform to connect with their readers. The annual showcase of authors and their books are featured on our website and promoted on our social media pages each year. I'm pleased to report that since its inception, 361 titles have been submitted to the showcase.
The Local Authors Showcase reflects our community with a range of literary genres, including local history, poetry, mystery, romance, children's and young adult books, and personal stories of triumph and tragedy, written in multiple languages.
From 2017 to 2019, the Library hosted an in-person event to unveil each collection. Many obstacles arose as a result of the pandemic, but the value of this collection to the community and to the authors themselves, motivated us to come up with new ways to keep it going. Last year we revealed the 2021 showcase via Facebook Live and this year we look forward to sharing it both virtually and in person.
The 2022 -23 Local Authors Showcase has 68 authors who have submitted 88 titles, 35 of which can be read on our cloudLibrary ebook platform. Brampton Library cardholders will be able to borrow these titles as of June 16 through our website, in-branch, or through the cloudLibrary app. For your chance to meet the authors and learn more about their books, be sure to join us in Gage Park at the Brampton Farmers’ Market on Saturday, June 18 from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m.
I want to thank all the authors that submitted to this year’s showcase. Your creativity, passion, and dedication to tell your story is greatly appreciated. I would also like to thank Selection Librarian Julia Huang and all the Collections and Marketing team members for all of their work in preparing and promoting our Local Authors Showcase and these exceptional books through the years. Brampton’s creativity shines through thanks to the efforts of our staff, the authors, and the community that supports it.
We sat down for a virtual interview with Mahak Jain to discuss "Bharatanatyam in Ballet Shoes" and the importance of South Asian representation in children's books.
Questions for Mahak Jain
Why was it important for you to write “Bharatanatyam in Ballet Shoes?"
Many books for children feature dance, especially ballet, but I hadn’t yet seen Bharatanatyam, a South Asian classical dance, represented. I wanted to make space on the shelves for a dance form from a part of the world that I could relate to culturally.
There are many scholarly theories that reveal dance to be the closest representation of culture because it involves movement, a “being” rather than a stagnant image. In other words, instead of bottling representation of culture into one still frame, dance shows culture as constantly evolving and flexing. Do you agree with this view of dance as a cultural representation? Does this appeal to dance reveal itself in your book?
I did want to capture about how art is organic and evolving. It’s complicated with Bharatanatyam because the British, when they colonized the South Asian region, banned the classical dances of the region. The dance form wasn’t allowed to evolve naturally. If we do think of dance as a being, then we can understand the harm that was done, to a people, to a culture. A lot has been lost as a result, the impact of which is still felt today.
In a recent CBC interview, you noted Bharatanatyam as being a dance of storytelling. What was it like to tell this story about storytelling?
I am not a Bharatanatyam dancer, but I connected with the dance form because of this relationship it has to storytelling. Bharatanatyam is a powerful dance form but also an intimate one—stories are told through large movements involving legs and arms but also small movements involving the fingers and eyes. Bharatanatyam has a dynamic physical language and it felt like a privilege to have the chance to find words to describe it.
As a creative writing instructor, it must be your belief that some aspects of writing can be taught, or at the very least, introduced. However, do you believe that, just like with dance, there are some who have “two left feet,” as they say, when it comes to creative writing?
I always had two left feet when it came to dancing until I met my husband. He’s a great dancer but also very easygoing. We choreographed and performed two dances for our own wedding, something I never thought I could have done but it came easily with him, because suddenly dance was about play and connection. I think people who have “two left feet” when it comes to writing need the same — to find that sense of innocence and fun.
“Bharatanatyam in Ballet Shoes” is a story about bridging the gaps between cultures, and in a way, blending or creating a hybrid of cultures: almost like a dance bilingualism. Out of this, a particular creativity reveals itself. Consequently, the images in the story employ contemporary and yet traditional colours particular to South Asian culture: this, too, is kind of bilingualism. What are some of the ways your words adhere to this bilingual theme?
That’s how I understand the story too. I grew up in various countries, amidst various cultures, and I aimed for the words to get across what it’s like to live at intersections, across identities.
Can you tell us about some of your writing for adults that celebrates bilingualism, hybridity, or the “in-between” cultural experience?
My first book for adults is releasing in spring 2024 and it’s about this theme exactly. It’s a short story collection less about being “in between” cultures and more about the state of in-betweenness itself. The way our lives are today, there’s no sense of having ever arrived or feeling settled, or that’s how it seems to me. It seems like we are always living in a state of transition. The fluidity can be exciting but also difficult, challenging.
What is it like writing for both genres? Do you prefer one over the other? Does it depend on your mood or motivation?
I love writing for both young people and adults. Writing in different genres gives me the chance to connect with people from different backgrounds, which is amazing. It does depend on my mood and motivation which I turn to at any given point, though. I don’t consciously set out to write for one audience or another and let the writing itself guide me.
On your website, you showcase a quote by Sandra Cisneros: “Writing is like sewing together what I call these 'buttons,' these bits and pieces.” What do your “buttons” look like? Do they take a certain shape or form?
I keep that quote nearby as a reminder to myself. Sometimes I become too rigid about having a plan for what I am writing—but in my experience, the best writing has come from feeling out bits and pieces that I don’t really have a clear plan for, that surprise me by coming together into something unexpected.
Finally, what advice can you provide aspiring artists in our community, whatever their craft happens to be: sewing, illustrating, writing, or dancing?
Dedication to learning about and improving your craft are important, but the main advice I would give is to play, as unselfconsciously as you can, whatever your artistic practice happens to be.
In this interview we have learned that dance is more than a movement, but rather a cultural expression and complementary artform. Mahak Jain has walked us through intersections of dance, culture, art, and writing, including the various genres she has embraced. Moving between children’s picture books, poetry, and adult short fiction, Jain reveals her versatility as an author. Brampton Library is proud to celebrate her work on June 25 with an author talk. We would like to thank Mahak Jain for speaking with us and we look forward to the upcoming event.
May is for Makers! If you didn’t already know, libraries adore Makers. Seriously, we’re big fans. So much so we’re hosting MakerFest along with our library friends at Caledon and Mississauga. MakerFest is a celebration of art, design, media, and technology; a space to geek out with inventors, scientists, fixers and tinkerers; an awesome opportunity to connect with makers and explore creative ingenuity in your community. This spectacular two-day event invites makers of all ages to learn from an inspiring roster of guest presenters, ready to share their expertise. Discover the event lineup on the official MakerFest page.
In the spirit of sharing, we’ve curated an incredible list of online learning resources for makers, inspired by some sessions that will be happening at MakerFest! Take note that your Brampton Library card gets you free, unlimited access to everything mentioned below. If you don’t already have a Brampton Library card, this is your sign to drop everything and apply to get a library card
New to making? Consider this list a starter pack from your friends at Brampton Library. You’ll want to stash these essential resources in your toolkit as you begin dabbling in a newfound interest. If you're a seasoned maker looking to expand or revitalize your skillset, you just might get inspired with fresh content and techniques to cultivate curiosity in your practice.
Next, expand your learning and take a course on producing professional podcasts. This self-paced course is available through LinkedIn Learning, and provides proven tips for producing professional, high-quality podcasts on any budget. You’ll get expert advice on pre-production strategies that will help you identify business opportunities, find your niche, and create a basic outline for your show. You’ll also discover techniques for recording and editing both podcasts and screencasts, along with strategies for marketing and tracking performance.
Taking advantage of the Audio recording studio at Chinguacousy. While the studio is currently closed, this incredible space has everything you need to record and produce a podcast. Keep this in mind when the studio reopens later in 2022.
For the maker with an appetite for entrepreneurship
Next, expand your learning by taking a course on how to start your own arts and crafts business. This 6-week online class available through Gale Courses will help you discover how to create a business identity, get into the best craft shows, design booths that draw customers, and price your work effectively.
While we’ve covered a lot of fantastic (and free) options, we also know this list is by no means exhaustive. If we missed something of particular interest to you, we encourage you to explore the Digital Library. You can also connect with library staff. We're always happy to help you find resources for your next project.
If you’re up for an adventure, this in-branch program is one you won’t want to miss!
Part mystery, part scavenger hunt, the participants’ mission is to piece the story of a disappearance together using all the clues they can find hidden in books, written on index cards, and scribbled on the back of old photographs! Working as a team to rewrite the history books, they must be careful which path they choose to go down.
Created by Scottish theatre troupe Visible Fictions and performed since 2017 in the UK, TIFA Kids is proud to present The Hidden’s Canadian premiere at Brampton Library.
Performances are scheduled twice daily at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. on June 2 - 5 and June 7 - 10, 2022 at Chinguacousy Branch Library, in the Brampton Civic Centre, 150 Central Park Drive, Brampton, Ontario. To learn more and reserve your spot, click here.
Brampton Library is delighted to once again be teaming up withLet’s Get Togetherto host two TechCollect Drives this spring outside Brampton Library branches. I recently chatted with Brampton resident and long-standing member of the LGT Tech4All youth group Joshua (Josh) Kurian to learn more about these upcoming events and how the community can get involved.
Image: LGT Tech4All Youth Volunteers Josh Kurian and Dilshan Marasinghe at the September 2021 TechCollect Drive
What is the Let’s Get Together Tech4ALL team, and how did you get involved?
JK: Let’s Get Together is a non-profit organization that aims to make learning equitable and education available to everyone. We see a world where every youth has equal opportunity to pursue higher education with no barriers and with the support of technology.
Back when I was in grade six, I got involved with Tech Stewardship, which was part of the science and - technology program, through my teacher Mr. Dobbie. After graduating middle school, a few of us stayed together and Mr. Dobbie introduced us to Alison Canning, Executive Director of Let’s Get Together. We joined the LGT Tech4All Youth team, a student-led group dedicated to advancing the vision of accessible technology and education for all.
What is a TechCollect Drive event?
JK: A TechCollect Drive is an event where people can donate their unwanted computers and electronic devices for others in need. They are hosted in partnership with other local organizations, like Brampton Library. The idea is to tap into the supply of home computers, laptops and other electronic devices which are frequently put to the side and forgotten when someone upgrades to a newer device. Many throw these electronics in the garbage, causing harm to the environment. Quite often these older devices are still in usable condition and could be put into the hands of individuals and families who could really use them.
Why are events like these important?
JK: There are many families that lack access to technology at home and this is especially difficult during COVID times. Refurbished computers are the fastest way to get functional devices into the hands of those who need them. During COVID, a lot of us have invested in new technology or upgraded what we’re using, but still have spare computers and laptops collecting dust in our homes. Through these events, we can clear up that clutter while putting tech into the hands of those who need it most. This also lets people own what they need to further their education instead of relying on borrowed devices.
What technology will be accepted at the event?
JK: We’re especially interested in collecting devices that can connect to the internet, such as laptops, tablets, and smartphones. We will also accept monitors, gaming consoles, printers, keyboard, mice, storage drives, and other computer peripherals and accessories that can be recycled.
Does tech have to be in working order to be donated?
Devices that are not more than a few years old are preferable, of course, as these have a higher chance of being fixable. But we will accept broken and out-of-date devices, too. Anything that can’t be refurbished is safely recycled.
How should someone prepare a device before they donate it?
JK: Well, firstly, you’ll want to make sure you back up any documents, photos, or other data that you don’t want to lose from the device you’re donating. Save these to an external hard drive, a USB key, or a cloud storage service.
EW: For peace of mind, and to protect your personal information, I recommend deleting everything on your old device including your download folder, browser history, cookies, cached files, etc. For tablets and smartphones, delete all of your apps and app data, and do a factory reset if you can.
JK: Yes, you can do these things yourself prior to donating, but rest assured that the Tech4All team will also do this for you. We provide free data erase service and will provide a certificate upon request confirming that your data has been erased.
How are the computers refurbished?
JK: We completely erase all of the data and install a new operating system on the device, which is usually Linux. Using Linux allows us to repurpose older computers and avoid costly licensing fees so we can distribute computers at low or no cost.
How are the refurbished devices distributed?
Refurbished devices are distributed through our distribution team. We find individuals and families who are in need through partnerships with schools and other community agencies, as well as through the request form on our website.
Where can eligible families register to receive a refurbished device?
There’s a form on our website where you can apply to receive a refurbished device. Information about eligibility is also available here.
What do you like most about volunteering at the TechCollect Drives?
JK: I’ve always had a love for technology and an interest in fixing and repairing computers. Through volunteering at TechCollect Drives, I’m able to apply that knowledge to help my local community. I also really enjoy hearing stories from the people who have benefited directly from these events and are now able to pursue educational opportunities as a result of receiving a refurbished device.
What have you learned as a Tech4All volunteer?
JK: Besides the technical skills I’ve acquired, such as learning to fix and refurbish computers, this experience has opened my eyes to inequity. I used to take for granted that everyone had access to a reliable computer and the internet. The more time I spend as a Tech4All volunteer, the more I understand the importance of providing access to these devices to help level the playing field.
How can local youth get involved with the Tech4All team?
We’re always looking for youth interested in technology and a desire to learn to join us. You don’t need to know to fix or refurbish computers, we’ll teach you! On our website, you’ll find information about how to get involved.
Josh and other members of the LGT Tech4All team will be on-site at our two upcoming TechCollect Drives this Spring: Saturday, April 30, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. outside of Springdale Branch Library
905-793-4636