Brampton Library inspiring connections by Brampton Library

inspiring connections

Photo credit: Eva Stepanian

inspiring connections

From the CEO

Welcome to inspiring connections , a seasonal magazine exploring how Brampton Library builds community in our diverse and dynamic city. Besides connecting you to our services, collections, and programs, you’ll find features about our community partners and even a behind-the-scenes look at how we deliver the Library to you!

Our first cover story features proud Brampton rap artist Spitty, who hosts our popular Open Mic and other programs. You will also find insights into how we buy books and even some tips and tricks from our super users to get your holds quicker. Rounding out this first line-up is a capture of the award-winning Newcomer Bus Tour, in longtime partnership with Brampton Transit and generously sponsored by Toronto Pearson.

Thank you, Brampton, you give myself and the Library much to be grateful for. In particular, we are grateful for the local but nationally renowned Festival of Literary Diversity and its FOLD Kids Book Fest, and the burgeoning Brampton Arts Organization (BAO), with whom we collaborate to bring you the Brampton Artist in Residence program. We are also proud to partner with Performing Arts Brampton to bring library card holders an exclusive 10% discount on performances. We appreciate inspiring connections with you and our many other partners.

I invite you to enjoy all eight of our branches and our wide range of digital collections on bramptonlibrary.ca. I'd really like to hear what you think of our refreshed magazine and anything else that you would like to share. Please email me anytime at chieflib@bramptonlibrary.ca. I look forward to seeing you soon at the Library!

Todd Kyle CEO, Brampton Library

A peek into the magic

How we choose and buy our books

At Brampton Library, our Collection Management policy shapes our approach to material purchasing, emphasizing a collaborative and community-focused process to ensure our collection meets the diverse interests of our customers.

We actively seek input through surveys, emails, comment cards, and our Suggest a Purchase form, as well as through feedback from our branch staff, who engage with customers both in-branch and in the community. This feedback is communicated to and reviewed by our Collections department.

In the Collections department, our Selection Librarians leverage their expertise across various genres, analyzing circulation trends and identifying gaps to make informed purchasing decisions. We also partner with industry-leading library vendors who provide us with Automatic Release Plans (ARPs). These ARPs save significant time for our staff, allowing us to focus on more specialized tasks. Each year, we set spending caps and provide detailed collection profiles to our vendors, outlining the types and quantities of materials we seek.

Our collection is dynamic, with new titles added every week and those items circulate between branches. Given that more books are published each year than we can accommodate on our shelves, we encourage customers to let us know if they’re looking for a specific title by filling out a Suggest a Purchase form or an Interlibrary Loan request on our website.

This comprehensive strategy ensures that our library remains a vibrant and ever-evolving resource for all our customers.

What can a local author do to get into the library?

There’s an old saying that there’s a book for every reader, and it rings true more than ever. The challenge, however, is ensuring that readers know your book exists, especially for new and emerging authors. The key for these authors is to find ways to gain exposure, and that’s where our Local Authors Showcase comes into play.

Now in its seventh year, the showcase was created to provide a platform for new, self-published authors within our community. Before this initiative, local authors faced the same selection criteria as our regular collection and often got lost among thousands of other items on the shelves, lacking the visibility they deserved.

With the Local Authors Showcase, selected authors are featured in a prominent collection at our Gore Meadows branch and online through our eBook provider throughout the year. Each author is also highlighted with a bio on our website. To celebrate these local talents, we host a special unveiling event at the Brampton Farmers’ Market, where authors can promote and sell their books. Each year, we proudly feature between 6070 authors in this vibrant celebration of local talent. At no cost to the authors, it’s the perfect opportunity to put your best foot forward in your writing endeavor.

Brent Wilson, pictured, is Brampton Library's Manager of Collections and the author of this article.

Our tips for getting popular titles... fast!

The eBooks and eAudiobook formats of many newly released titles are available readily through the library app, and if they aren’t immediately available the hold line is much shorter!

Eva, Brampton Library staff member

I really wanted to get my hands on a title recently, I couldn’t wait to dig in. Luckily, I was surprised to find that the large print edition was available at my local branch! Don’t forget to check large print!

Anna, customer

I’m often on my favourite reading-related websites like Goodreads, checking to see when my upcoming titles are going to be released. A few weeks before the release date, I make sure to check the library’s catalogue, that’s usually when the requests are accepted and there are little to no people waiting in line! If that’s too much planning, don’t worry – all of the branches have Lightning Loan options for new releases on display, so be sure to check back often!

Gail, Brampton Library staff member

Photo credit: Eva Stepanian

Q&A

with Radha Tailor

What are you reading?

I was introduced to The Syrian Ladies Benevolent Society by Christine Estima at FOLD 2024. I love reading narratives when cultural nuances are naturally intertwined, and she paints vivid, rich stories about the immigrant identity in Canada. Absolutely engrossed.

Where are you going?

North Carolina - Florida - Texas later this year! I always create a Google Map of places to visit, recommended food spots, and ghost walks.

What are you watching?

The Rookie! I have a sweet spot for funny cold opens. The cast diversity, stories flipping between work and family, privilege and race, mix in a hint of danger and a sprinkle of silliness - it's a guilty pleasure. Also, Brampton's Shawn Ashmore is in the show.

What are you eating?

Samyang Buldak Carbonara Ramen for the first time. My colleague said it was a summer TikTok trend. Dinner is a Gujarati dish made of small Indian eggplants simmered in a mix of minced split chickpea, peanuts, sesame seeds and masalas.

Radha Tailor is a proud Brampton resident and digital marketer. She is the Brampton Public Library board chair.

Do you know a community influencer that you think we should profile? Send us an email at marketing@bramlib.on.ca

Back to learning

with Brampton Library!

Visit bramlib.info/learning_2024 to explore academic resources including:

• Free tutoring and homework help

• Skill-building tools for STEAM

• Curriculum-aligned textbooks

• French language learning support

• Educational films and documentaries

• Online research tools and study aids

Browse our programs

Visit our online calendar of events at bramlib.libnet.info/events or by scanning the QR code to discover programs for all ages and interest in all eight branches.

Photo credit: Spitty

Spitty: Brampton’s Hip-Hop Voice

and the Library’s creative pulse

Brampton’s own Spitty has been steadily building a name for himself in the local hip-hop scene, and his recent success at the Brampton Library's Open Mic night is just another testament to his rising influence. If you haven’t heard of Spitty yet, you’re missing out on one of Brampton’s most authentic voices—a voice shaped by the city and now helping to shape it in return.

"Yeah, this was definitely our best open mic night yet," Spitty reflects. "I think this was our tenth one, and the energy was just incredible. We had the most attendees, the most performers, and everyone had a good time." The event was a true variety show, featuring everything from singers and poets to stand-up comedians and even a full drum set. "One guy brought his whole drum set—it took 10 minutes to set up—but it was pretty cool. We even had a little freestyle jam session with a drummer and a guitarist. It was exactly what you’d hope for."

Spitty’s connection to Brampton runs deep, and it’s evident in his music. Growing up in the city, he was exposed to a mix of cultural influences, from the Bollywood music his parents listened to, to the hiphop that resonated with him and his peers. "In Brampton, I really learned about hiphop and rap through all the different immigrants or people of color coming together and connecting. It was something bigger than us, and it really shaped who I am as an artist." reflected Spitty.

In describing his music, Spitty has coined the term “conscious bangerz,” a phrase that encapsulates both the energy of his beats and the depth of his lyrics. "I always just try to motivate and inspire people to be the best version of themselves," Spitty says. "That’s kind of the takeaway I want people to have from my music." His tracks aren’t just about getting people moving; they’re about moving people emotionally and mentally, pushing them to strive for more in their own lives.

I always just try to motivate and inspire people to be the best version of themselves.

Spitty

The understanding Spitty has of the industry is something he has shared with others through his programming partnership with Brampton Library. He recently led a workshop on navigating the music industry, where he focused on building a brand and maintaining authenticity. "The way I broke it down for the creatives in the room was to ask simple five W questions: Who am I? Where am I from? What do I like? Those answers help create your brand or social media identity. For me, the music I make is the music I’ve always wanted to make, so it feels authentic to me."

But what truly stands out for us about Spitty is his commitment to community and collaboration. "One thing I definitely say, and this is actually the same thing I said at the workshop, is that you can learn things if you’re just grinding it out on your own. But if you can work with other artists and collaborate with them, that’s where real progress happens," Spitty advises. "Find people you can work with, whether that’s locally or online, and evolve along with them."

Our open mic nights at the Library are a reflection of this evolution and the diversity that Brampton offers. "The community is expanding and all connecting," Spitty notes. "The last time we had people singing in Punjabi, rapping in Spanish, and doing all sorts of different types of songs. We even had artists who met through the open mic and then collabed and made songs because of that. It’s really inspiring to see."

For Spitty, Brampton Library isn’t just a venue; it’s a place where the city's creative spirit can flourish. "It’s amazing that the Library is bringing people together like this," he says. And as for advice to those facing creative blocks? "Experience life. The more you do, the more you’ll have to speak about and create. It’s about putting yourself out there and then incorporating those experiences back into your art."

As Spitty continues to thrive as an artist, he’s bringing Brampton along with him, one open mic at a time. "The narrative is changing," he says. "Artists are slowly starting to push for their city, and people are joining in. There’s a lot of creativity that blooms from out here."

And with Spitty at the helm, that creativity shows no signs of slowing down.

Photo credit: Brittney Smith

Newcomer Bus Tour

A journey of reflections and new beginnings

In August, Library staff welcomed two groups of new Brampton residents to take the Newcomer Bus Tour, a longtime collaboration with Brampton Library and Brampton Transit. As a new member of the Library’s marketing team, I was excited to join the tour and speak with participants. Thank you to all who shared their thoughts with me. Your enthusiasm and openness made the experience truly special.

The tour began with an orientation to the Library branch and an opportunity to register for library cards. It quickly became clear that this was more than just a bus ride through the streets of Brampton. For many, it was an opportunity to reflect on the journey that brought them here, to a place that was becoming their home. With curiosity in their hearts, they boarded the bus, ready to see what Brampton had to offer them.

Our first stop was the Cassie Campbell Community Centre, a hub of activity with state-of-the-art facilities and a welcoming atmosphere. It was a moment for newcomers to pause and consider how these spaces might integrate into their daily lives.

As the bus traveled through the city, conversations flowed naturally. Stories of challenges and triumphs were shared, creating a bond among the participants in the group. One participant, who recently moved from Gujarat, India, shared how they’ve found a connection to home through the celebration of familiar cultural festivals: “During Diwali, we put the lighting outside our homes. We visited a number of temples in Brampton and met a number of people. Majority of the communities in Brampton are from Punjab, India. We would meet them and enjoy our festivals together.”

Photo credit: Princess Williams

One attendee reflected on their move to Brampton during the winter and how the library became a crucial part of their transition: "When we moved to Canada, it was winter time, which made settling in harder. But I got to make many friends here through the library, and it really went a lot better.”

Another participant added: "When I was back home, I’d go to the library. I love going to the library. And when I go to the library here, I pick up a bunch of books to

When I was back home, I’d go to the library. I love going to the library.

Newcomer Bus Tour Participant

get motivated. Reading books for fun is pretty much what I do."

Highlights of the tour included visiting the Rose Theatre, followed by a walk to City Hall, the iconic Brampton sign served as the perfect backdrop for photos, capturing the essence of this diverse and dynamic city. Inside, Mayor Patrick Brown welcomed the participants and shared some words of welcome:

"What I like about our city is that you really see a reflection of every culture. It doesn't matter where you come from, who you love, the color of your skin, or what God you worship—anyone can chase their dreams

Photo credit: Princess Williams

Photo credit: Eva Stepanian

in Canada. I was at an announcement for the hospital where there was a fellow who came from India with nothing except the shirt on his back, and he donated $10 million to the hospital. He said that's what's possible in Canada—if you work hard, you can chase your dreams. We say be proud of your roots, be proud of your heritage. There's no contradiction in being proud of where you came from and being proud to be Canadian at the same time. And I think no city does it better than Brampton."

The Honourable Patrick Brown, Mayor of Brampton

The Newcomer Bus Tour is presented twice annually by Brampton Library and Brampton Transit. Since 2023, the Newcomer Bus Tour has been generously sponsored by Toronto Pearson. The tour begins and ends at Springdale Branch Library, a LEED Gold building which has

won numerous awards, including the Canadian Architect Award of Excellence; an Ontario Library Association Library Building Award; a Brampton Urban Design Award of Excellence; an Ontario CISC Steel Design Award; and a National Urban Design Certificate of Merit. The Newcomer Bus Tour is the recipient of a municipal award, the Public Library Association’s Upstart Innovation Award, and the Angus Mowat Award of Excellence for Public Library Service.

To register for the next Newcomer Bus Tour, visit bramlib.info/newcomer_bus_tour.

What I like about our city is that you really see a reflection

of every culture.

The Honourable Patrick Brown, Mayor of Brampton

Thank you

Jasmine Canaviri our Artist in Residence

On Saturday, September 21 at Mount Pleasant Village Branch Library 100 ceramic mugs cocreated with the local community were unveiled! Over three months, Jasmine led a series of workshops and held public office hours, meeting and working with nearly 250 Brampton residents to complete her residency. The Brampton Artist in Residence program is held in partnership with the Brampton Arts Organization (BAO) and Brampton Library.