Teens

Cameras in the Library

11–14 years

Join us for this fun, hands-on, immersive introduction to digital photography and visual expression. Learn about how cameras work, composition, vantage points, and elements of design. Participants will be able to take a photo print home and potentially be featured in the library's community gallery! Digital cameras will be provided for use during the workshop. Please note: there will be a short outdoor photowalk as part of this program. Guardians are required to accompany participants for this portion of the program. Cyril Clark Feb. 26, Mar. 5, 12, 19 2–4 p.m.

Enroute 2 Success Board Games

13–18 years

Join Enroute 2 Success, a Black youth group, for monthly board game socials. Explore classics like chess and discover games specific to African culture during Black History Month. Registration required.*

Chinguacousy Wednesdays 6–8 p.m.

Furry Friends Study Break

14+ years

Students who are committed to school work during study week are invited to our Furry Friends Study Break! Take a mental health break from studying and visit with a St. John's Ambulance therapy dog. Mount Pleasant Village Jan. 25 3:30–5:30 p.m.

March Break Teen Take-and-make Kit: Mini Clover Terrarium

Pick up a take-and-make craft kit from your nearby library branch. Inside you will find the materials you need to complete the activity. Program instructions will be available for you to watch anytime starting March 11 on YouTube. No registration required. Available for pick up March 11–19 while supplies last.

Teen Social Justice League

13–18 years

On the second Tuesday of every month we will be hosting Teen Social Justice League conversation from on Zoom. The purpose of the league is to open important conversations about social justice issues in our community. We know that teens in Brampton have so much to contribute, especially when given the right platform. Think of the Teen Social Justice League as an extension of our TeenTalks conversations within a space devoted entirely to teens. From January to March, we will be discussing social justice themes in the book Hunting by Stars by Cherie Dimaline. Take a look below to see what themes we will be discussing at our monthly gatherings. Registration required.*

Climate change

Virtual Jan. 10 6–7:30 p.m.

Human rights violations

Virtual Feb. 7 6–7:30 p.m.

2SLGBTQ+ representation

Virtual Mar. 14 6–7:30 p.m.

have dropped

They're loaded with board games, zine kits, and unexpected activities for you to discover.

Chinguacousy

Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays 5–8 p.m.

Four Corners

Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, 5–8 p.m.

Thursdays (not available Jan. 2–5, Mar. 13–16)

Gore Meadows

Thursdays 4–6 p.m.

Mount Pleasant Village

Jan. 26, Feb. 2, Mar. 16 Feb. 17

Tuesdays (not available Jan.3) 4–6 p.m. 3–5 p.m. 4–6 p.m.

Springdale

Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, 3–6 p.m. Thursdays

The Gathering

For all Black youth 14–19 and their allies

Malton Neighbourhood Services’ Black Family Support Program (BFSP) provides culturally informed services for Black families within the Region of Peel. We offer a variety of programs and services for Black children, youth, and families. This is a multifaceted program that includes: drop-in play-based learning experiences, parent supports, individual and family counselling, youth programs and systems navigation. The BFSP aims to foster resiliency in the Black community. This group fosters peer support for Black youth in the 2SLGBTQ+ community. The Gathering is an environment that encourages fun and discussions that engages and empowers Black youth to be part of a solution-driven process addressing societal issues that impact them and their peers. Additionally, incorporating 2SLGBTQ+ education to combat the stigma Black 2SLGBTQ+ community faces. The Gathering is a low-barrier drop-in, which is comprised of both formal and informal programming. Activities include guest speakers, workshops, guided conversations, recreational activities, open discussions and more!

Four Corners Thursdays 4--6 p.m.

Zine Workshop for Teens

13–18 years

A zine is a self-published work, circulated among a small group, to express and pursue common ideas and subjects. Teens are welcome to explore the creation and use of zines to speak their minds in this unique program. Known for the creation of zines that challenge cultural stereotypes surrounding food, Illustrator and Multidisciplinary Artist, Meegan Lim, will walk participants through a four week workshop on zine creation. Registration required.* Chinguacousy Feb. 25, Mar. 3, 10, 17 2–4 p.m.

February is BLACK HISTORY MONTH

African Drumming

All ages

Be inspired by the rhythms of West Africa at this interactive performance by Saikou Saho, a masterful drummer from the Gambia. Featuring the healing power of the drum, the beat, the Rhythm of the Motherland. Saikou will share his twenty-five-year journey as a teacher, performer, and stable culture keeper in Toronto and abroad. Chinguacousy Feb. 4 11 a.m.–12 p.m. Cyril Clark Feb. 4 2–3 p.m.

An overview of 400 years of Black History in Canada with Channon Oyeniran

7+ years

Suitable for ages 7 to 107, this presentation is an educational and enlightening experience for the whole family. Providing an overview on the rich and expansive history and experiences of people of African descent in Canada over 400 years, topics will include: • Black and Indigenous enslavement in Canada • Legacies of enslavement with a focus on anti-

Black racism • The stories and achievements of significant individuals and groups that have contributed to various aspects of Canadian society. Don't miss this opportunity for you and your family to talk about the various experiences and contributions of Black people in Canada. Registration required.* Four Corners Feb.11 11 a.m.–12 p.m.

19+ years

Batik art involves applying wax to fabric using water-soluble dyes. Original to Indonesia, this art form was popularized in West Africa, becoming a culture instrument. Join Visual Arts Brampton artist, Deon Best, in this four week series exploring Batik as both a form of art and cultural expression. All materials will be provided. Chinguacousy Feb. 7, 16 6–8 p.m. Chinguacousy Feb. 25 11 a.m.–1 p.m.

Black Artisan Market

19+ years

In recognition of Black History Month, Brampton Library will be hosting a market featuring the work and art of Black artisans. Celebrate the skills of these local business owners devoted to skincare, drawing, sewing, digital art, and so much more. Chinguacousy Feb. 18 2–4 p.m.

Enroute 2 Success Board Games

13–18 years

Join Enroute 2 Success, a Black youth group, for monthly board game socials at Brampton Library. Explore games like chess and discover games specific to African culture during Black History Month. Registration required.* Chinguacousy Wednesdays 6–8 p.m.

In conversation with Ian Williams

19+ years

Award-winning author and poet Ian Williams was inducted into the Brampton Arts Walk of Fame in 2021 and won the Scotiabank Giller Prize in 2019. Williams will join us for an on-stage conversation with Jael Richardson, Brampton author and Executive Director of the Festival of Literary Diversity (FOLD), about the impact of racial encounters on racialized people, drawing on his non-fiction book Disorientation: Being Black in the World. Cyril Clark Theatre Feb. 8 6–7 p.m.