3.4 Library Staff Workshops Three workshops with Library Staff were held in early 2021 with Branch Managers (March 11), the Library’s Senior Management Team (March 16), as well as Librarians and front-line staff (April 1). Each workshop yielded insightful perspectives ranging from the Library as an entire system/organization to each individual branch. Notable and common themes from the workshops have been consolidated so that responses are not personally identifiable to any particular staff person. Balancing the Different Demands that Library Customers Place on Space
Brampton Library branches are highly valued for the types of spaces and services that are offered within them. Residents place a high value on quiet areas as well as more dynamic, collaborative and social spaces. Sometimes balancing the diverse range of program and services being sought in a given branch can be challenging, particularly if the spaces do not have sufficient physical separation to minimize potential conflicts or distractions such as noise, foot traffic, or simply activities taking place if they must displace another. To combat this challenge, Library staff suggested creating defined areas for uses but doing so in a manner that still allows flexibility to adjust day-to-day or month-to-month, integrating glass walls to retain an open concept feel, and pursuing multi-level library branches where programming and noisier activities could be separated from quiet areas.
Brampton Library is a Civic Integrator & A Welcoming Space for All
The Library is seen as a space that brings people together by creating a safe, welcoming and comfortable atmosphere where ALL residents are welcome. Library staff see opportunities to build on this strength by providing areas where residents can “explore, discover and create,” be places that incubate start-ups and small businesses, and provide an introduction to Canada and Brampton for newcomers to the city. Staff generally support the idea of including library branches as part of civic hubs, which lends itself well to the Library’s inherent role as a multi-service access point though there is also recognition that spaces and services provided by multiple organizations need to work cohesively for a hub model to work.
Keeping Pace with Population Growth & Diversification
Even with recent investments in new and existing library branches, the incredible rate of growth in Brampton continually creates substantial pressures and generates needs for additional library space. Higher density and transit-oriented developments will result in greater foot traffic and needs for services, however, the size and/or configuration of existing branches are not conducive to the Library growing with its population. The socio-economic and cultural diversification in Brampton is also quite varied and thus library spaces and services will need to consider such aspects if people are to be drawn to the branches.
Library Facilities Master Plan Monteith Brown Planning Consultants Ltd. + Perkins & Will
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