Written by June Dickenson

Category: Blog

Published: 23 November 2020

Despite the lockdown that takes effect today, Brampton Library will continue to offer limited in-branch services at Chinguacousy in the Civic Centre, Four Corners, and Springdale Branch Libraries. Our remaining branches, while closed to the public, offer Curbside Pickup, with expanded hours at most locations beginning today. All branches, whether open or Curbside, offer our new Grab ‘n’ Go bags. Materials can be returned easily and safely through our 24-hour external dropboxes at all branches.

Service Modifications at our Open Branches:

Effective today, and for the duration of the current lockdown period, our Chinguacousy, Four Corners, and
Springdale Branch Libraries are open for these services only:

• In-branch holds pick up
• Brief use of our computers for transactional purposes
• Printing and photocopying services

Please note that in-branch study space and the use of personal devices to work or study is not available or permitted at this time.

Expansion of Curbside Pickup Hours:

We are grateful to be able to continue to provide access to our materials during the COVID-19 pandemic as per provincial guidelines. Curbside Pickup offers you the flexibility to pick up your holds at any of our branches, even if they are closed. When placing holds, you will be prompted to select your pickup location. In order to serve you better, we are pleased to announce our expanded hours for this service at most locations. Please note that Curbside Pickup hours at South West remain Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 2:00 – 5:00 pm.

New Curbside Pickup Hours for Cyril Clark, Gore Meadows, Mount Pleasant Village, and South Fletcher’s

• Mondays: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
• Wednesdays: 2:00 – 8:00 pm
• Fridays - 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

For more information about our open and Curbside locations and to watch video tutorials, please click here.

If you’re not sure what titles you would like to place on hold, but you want some new books to read right away, discover our Grab ‘n’ Go and Book Bundles services. Our librarians have put together surprise bags of books on ever-changing themes. Pick up your Grab ‘n’ Go bag at any Brampton Library branch. If you have a theme in mind, head to our website and complete the Book Bundles request form.

Our highest priority remains the safety of our customers and staff. We have worked collaboratively with the City of Brampton to enhance our health and safety protocols through the following:

• During our operating hours at these branches, we will close to the public every 90 minutes, for 30
  minutes of cleaning multi-use and high-touch areas
• We have installed plexi-glass shields at our service points
• All customers and staff must wear masks in our buildings, in compliance with the City of
  Brampton Mandatory Mask By-Law 135-2020
• Everyone is asked to self-monitor for symptoms of illness and not enter a library branch if feeling unwell.

Please check for the latest service updates on our website and on our social media platforms - Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Click here sign up for our email updates.

Thank you for your patience!

Written by Michele Collins, Librarian

Category: Blog

Published: 28 September 2020

Anger is an intense emotion. It is confusing in that it usually masks a more vulnerable emotion, such as frustration, sadness, or anxiety.

Listening to books about anger gives children the opportunity to relate and, therefore, better understand their own anger. Reading together gives you the opportunity to talk with children about their feelings.The following books help kids (and their parents) identify their emotions, and develop strategies for how to cope.

And...best of all...they are fun books to read out-loud. My children, Gilda (age 8), and Charlie (age 6), help me review some of our favourite books below:

Grumpy Monkey by Suzanne Lang: 

Jim Panzee is NOT GRUMPY. Or so he says. However, his friends point out that he is frowning, hunched over, and his eyebrows are creased. His friends have suggestions for how he can feel better, but he does not feel like singing, walking, napping, hugging, or…anything else. Jim realizes that he is a grumpy after all. And also sad. He comes upon Norman the gorilla, and recognizes the signs of grumpiness in his friend. They both agree that they need to feel grumpy right now. And that’s ok. Admitting this, they both feel a little better. This is an enjoyable and funny book with lots of empathy. Gilda says: “I like when [Norman] the big gorilla gets angry.”  

Ravi’s Roar by Tom Percival:

Ravi is the youngest and smallest child in his family. And every once in a while that isn’t so great. On a particularly bad day, Ravi gets so mad that he turns into a tiger. All that anger feels so great. Until no one wants to play with him. He says sorry - and turns back into a boy. A great read with sweet illustrations. Charlie says: “I like when he turns into a tiger!”

Hungry Bird by Jeremy Tankard: 

Grumpy Bird is back and he is hangry - so hungry that he is angry. He complains. And nags. And whines. He expects his friends to take care of his hunger. But the things they eat are yucky, so he wants nothing to do with their snacks. Eventually he gets so hungry that he tries their food. And begins to feel better. Relatable and very funny.  Gilda says: “He needs to bring his own food!”

Sam’s Pet Temper by Sangeeta Bhadra:

One day at the playground, Sam gets madder than he has ever been in his whole life. And acquires his very own pet - a Temper. He and the Temper have so much fun! But when he brings the Temper home and to school, the Temper gets him into trouble. He tries hard to control his Temper, by counting from 1 to 10, saying his ABCs backwards, and taking a deep breath and slowly letting it out. And it works! The Temper finally leaves Sam alone. A fun story that works both at a literal and metaphorical level. Charlie says: “[The Temper] is super cute!”  

Allie All Along by Sarah Lynne Reul:

Allie’s crayon breaks and she is suddenly a furious, frustrated, and very angry monster. Her big brother encourages her to punch a pillow, squeeze a toy, take a deep breath, and count backwards from 10. These strategies each help a little. Eventually she becomes human again. The illustrations are vibrant, and Allie’s feelings are great to growl aloud. Gilda says: “I like this whole book.” 

No Fits, Nilson! by Zachariah OHora:

Nilson (Amelia’s giant, blue gorilla) and Amelia are inseparable. They have a lot of fun together. But he is easily upset. When he throws a fit, Amelia reminds him “No fits, Nilson!” and patiently reframes the situation in a positive way. When Amelia throws her own gorilla-sized fit, Nilson kindly reminds her “No fits, Amelia!” As always, Zachariah OHora’s illustrations are imaginative and engaging, and the story is quirky and sweet. A delight. Gilda says: “I like when Nilson says, “No fits, Amelia!”

Written by Jen Sloane, Librarian

Category: Blog

Published: 01 October 2020

Today, the 10th of October is World Mental Health Day!  Each year, the World Health Organization choses a theme to focus on, and this year, they’ve selected a fantastic one!  We will never be able to look back on the year 2020 without focusing on Covid-19 and its lasting impacts on our healthcare system, our economy, but also upon ourselves.  Experiencing a collective trauma, increasing isolation and economic stress has thrust our mental health into the spotlight, exposing the deep flaws in our current systems, and therefore the World Mental Health Day theme for 2020 is increased investment in mental health.

We at Brampton Library have already taken steps to help you invest in your own mental health!  Earlier in the year, we brought you curated booklists, specifically designed for children, young adults and adults to learn about your own mental health, all from the comfort of your own home, and we have updated these to include new titles. You can find these lists, and start checking out titles, here: Celebrating World Mental Health Day (Adults) and Celebrating World Mental Health Day (Juvenile).

In conjunction with our book recommendations, we have also helped you get started with your own bibliotherapy and small ways to improve your mental health, whether it be tips on getting started with bibliotherapy in our Blog, engaging in bibliotherapy outside, making use of Picture Books that help Children Deal with Anger, or making a mindfulness jar.

We’ve also worked hard to reduce isolation!  Although we cannot host programs in our physical library spaces, we have a full calendar of programs, events and activities that are completely free!  Have a look at what we have to offer, and sign yourself up for something new from our Calendar.

We also compiled a handy list of fun and interesting things to check out from your own home, so if you still aren’t up for going out to crowded public spaces, but still want to be involved, explore our list of #StayHomeResources. 

Finally, we want to make it clear that Brampton Library is here for you!  Mental health is something that should be recognized, understood and spoken about freely, without the worry of stigmatization; we want to continue to contribute to maintaining good mental health in the future, and hope that you will continue on this journey with us!

Written by Michele Collins, Librarian

Category: Blog

Published: 28 September 2020

Homophobia puts the LGBTQ2S (lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, two-spirited) community at higher risk for depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive and phobic disorders, suicidal thoughts and acts, self-harm, isolation, job insecurity, homelessness, and alcohol and drug dependence. 

How do we improve the lives of our LGBTQ2S family and friends?   

Love your Loved Ones:

Family acceptance results in good mental and physical health. 

Support your Colleagues:

Support from friends, supportive workplaces, and neighbourhoods counters internalized homophobia (the acceptance of negative stereotypes) and, therefore, contributes to higher self-esteem. 

Connect to Community: 

When LGBTQ2S people, and their family and friends, identify as being part of the LGBTQ2S community, they no longer feel alone. The connection to a supportive community significantly reduces internalized homophobia. 

Check out these recommended books and movies; all are available online or for curbside collection and are completely for free with your Brampton Library Card: 

Unconditional: A guide to loving and supporting your LGBTQ child by Telaina Erikson. Erikson provides parents with the framework for helping their LGBTQ child navigate the world. 

We Have Always Been Here: A Queer Muslim Memoir by Samra Habib. Habib wrestles with her faith and her family, comes to terms with her sexuality while traveling in Tokyo, and finds her true self in a queer-friendly mosque in Toronto. The book, like the title, is a rallying cry to find the power and pride in being your true self. 

The Times I Knew I Was Gay by Eleanor Crewes. A graphic memoir that is full of hope and the joy that comes from becoming your true self. 

Good Boy: My Life in Seven Dogs by Jennifer Finney Boylan. This book was sparked by Boylan’s blog - which went viral when she wrote the evolution of her gender identity in a unique way - via the dogs she’s loved throughout her life. 

Wow, No Thank You.: Essays by Samantha Irby. The self-deprecating, and hilarious essayist, examines the most cringeworthy particulars of her own life, from the panic of being without a smartphone to "lesbian bed death." 

Here for It by R. Eric Thomas. If you enjoy David Sedaris’ writing - how it offers both hilarity and cultural criticism - then you’ll love this book. Thomas, a columnist for Elle, reveals both the danger and the humour of being a queer person of colour in Trump’s America. 

On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong. Just published in 2019, this poetic novel is already considered a masterpiece. The book is written as a letter from a son, Little Dog, to his mother - who cannot read. He uncovers family history that began in Vietnam before he was born. He makes connections between his mother’s life and his own, including a bittersweet love story. Beautifully written and full of insight. 

Real Life: A Novel by Brandon Taylor. One of the most anticipated releases of the year, Taylor’s debut novel provides a window into what it is like to be Black and LGBTQ2S in the Midwest. 

You can also check out our Pride Book List for more recommendations. 

Source:

https://www.rainbowhealthontario.ca/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/RHO_FactSheet_LGBTQMENTALHEALTH_E.pdf