Libraries have evolved from quiet hideouts where you could escape everything by burying your nose in a book, into high-tech community centres that have books of course, but also 3D printers, work stations, and ways to further your education, not to mention movies and music—all with just a free library card.

These facilities and programs continue to set imaginations in motion and expand mental horizons through literature, media, and other resources. This can happen in unexpected ways, in all manner of programs and workshops. And at Brampton library, you can bet your last dollar that they’re all for FREE. That means you show up, and you get to keep your dollar.

Programs range from storytime with parents and young children, and knitting and crocheting clubs to computer skills for seniors, job preparedness workshops for youth, and building your own tiny robot.

Here’s a sneak peek at just 20 of the many programs running this season, from this month up till spring of next year.

Family Time

At Four Corners Branch, and Mount Pleasant Village Branch

For parents and children aged zero to six years.

This program involves movement, play, songs and stories.

Antakshari

At South Fletcher’s Branch, Gore Meadows Branch, and Mount Pleasant Village Branch

This program has participants play Bollywood’s most popular musical game, featuring Hindi songs in the movie industry.

Computer Basics and Beyond

At Four Corners Branch

For adults, including seniors, aged 55+.

This program is a four-week session, that includes word processing and accessing the internet.

3D Modelling and Printing with TinkerCAD

At Four Corners Branch, and Springdale Branch

TinkerCAD is a free browser based application. This program teaches the basics. Bring your creation to life from screen to fit into your hand, as you print your model on 3D printers where available at library branches.

Bring Your Own Device

At Four Corners Branch

Got a new device and trying to figure out the bells and whistles? Bring it over, your smartphone or tablet, and learn how to download apps, connect to the internet, take photos.

LEGO Robotics

At Gore Meadows Branch,

For children aged nine to 12 years.

This is a four-week program. Learn how to build and program your very own robot, using LEGO Mindstorms and LEGO Kits provided for your use during the workshop. At the end of the program, invite your family to see your robot in action. The Brampton Library displays your works of art and engineering in special cases for all to see.

Kids Discovery Club

At all branches.

For children aged six to 12 years.

There are worlds to discover in STEM fields. STEM = Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. Children can earn STEM badges through participation.

Job Search Strategies

At Mount Pleasant Village Branch.

For adults, including seniors, 55+.

This program is of the newcomer monthly program category.

Learn how to effectively market your skills and find jobs that suit your strengths in the hidden job market.

Job Search Through Social Media

At South Fletcher’s Branch.

For adults, including seniors, 55+.

This program is of the newcomer monthly program category.

Learn how to effectively use social media in your job search.

How to Make Your Social Media and LinkedIn Shine

At Springdale Branch.

For adults, including seniors, 55+.

This program is of the newcomer monthly program category.

Get ahead by using social media and your LinkedIn profile to learn how to effectively market your skills and your brand.

How to Start a Small Business

At Mount Pleasant Village Branch.

For adults, including seniors, 55+.

This program is of the newcomer monthly program category.

Learn about creating and growing your business. From name registration, licensing requirements and insurance, to labour requirements and crafting a clear business plan.

Teen Raspberry Jam

At Springdale Branch.

For teens, aged 14-18 years.

This is a two-day weekend workshop where teens can learn how to code, and create programs using computer applications.

Newcomers Circle: Mortgage 101 for Home Buyers

At Chinguacousy Branch

This program covers home buyers’ key financial elements, such as credit, open versus closed mortgages, fixed versus variable rates, broker versus banks, and first-time homebuyers’ plans.

Newcomer Bus Tour

At Chinguacousy Branch

For adults, including seniors, aged 55+.

Newcomers to Canada are invited to board a bus and tour the city in order to get more familiar with Brampton. Tour highlights include City Hall, parks, hospitals, community centres, bus/train stations and library branches.

English Conversation Circle

At Gore Meadows Branch, Mount Pleasant Village Branch, and Chinguacousy Branch

For adults, including youth, aged 18-24, and seniors, aged 55+.

This is an encouraging space for folks to practice their English listening and speaking skills.

Canadian Taxes: All About Your Tax Return

At Springdale Branch

For adults, including youth, aged 18-24, and seniors, aged 55+.

Learn about the Canadian tax system, and saving money through tax deductions.

Brampton Writers’ Guild

At Four Corners Branch

For adults, including youth, aged 18-24, and seniors, aged 55+.

Writing a book? Brampton Writers’ Guild is ready to help you achieve that goal. Participate in table reads of each other’s work, from members who are established writers to those starting out, or folks who enjoy writing for fun or even to practice keeping memoirs.

Punjabi Writers Book Club

At Springdale Branch

For adults, including youth, aged 18-24, and seniors, aged 55+.

Meet Punjabi authors and discuss works of your own.

Mental Health in the Punjabi Community

At Cyril Clark Branch

For adults, including youth, aged 18-24, and seniors, aged 55+.

These workshops, in both English and Punjabi, increase awareness and inform participants.

LGBTQ2S+ Book Club

At Chinguacousy Branch.

For adults, including seniors, aged 55+.

This book club is for people who enjoy books with LGBTQ2S+ themes or authors who identify as LGBTQ2S+ and is part of Brampton Library’s commitment to social inclusion.

Some of the programs require registration. To see a full list of calendar programs, and when they run, see BramptonLibrary.ca.

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