Inspiring Connections Magazine Winter 2025 by Brampton Library

inspiring connections

Welcome to South Fletcher’s at Shoppers World (page 4)

Coming soon to our branches: Black History Month and March Break (pages 9–11)

New! Author Talk Series #ICYMI: Tanya Talaga (page 14)

Photo supplied by the publisher

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• Scan the code on the back of any book to see if we have it in our collection

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Browse our programs

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Learn more and place your holds by scanning the QR code or visiting bramlib.info/winter_kits

inspiring connections

winter 2025

What’s inside...

From the CEO

Welcome to the second edition of our refreshed inspiring connections , a seasonal magazine exploring how Brampton Library builds community in our diverse and dynamic city. It is much more than a simple guide to our programs and services, it’s a spotlight on some of the most important ways the Library connects to our vibrant community. In short, inspiring connections is about you!

BRANCH CLOSURES

This issue, we take a close look at some of the developments happening in our branch buildings as we strive to expand and improve our on-the-ground presence in every corner of the city. We know that you are looking for more flexible spaces, more study rooms, more books, and overall more branches. These objectives are reflected in the plans for our renovated South Fletcher’s Branch in the Susan Fennell Sportsplex, and our soon-to-be newest branch, Claireville. We are also working hard on finding a larger, more convenient new location for the Chinguacousy Branch in the future.

Also in these pages you’ll find features on an exciting project in one of our makerspaces, the joys of audiobooks, and even on books featuring food (yum!). We provide a closeup on our Author Talk Series that we hold in partnership with the Festival of Literary Diversity (FOLD), in particular the recent appearance of Tanya Talaga, one of the journalistic superstars of our age.

As always, I invite you to enjoy all 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

Welcome to Shoppers World!

South Fletcher’s Branch has a new temporary home

By June Dickenson

In 2022, Brampton Library issued a new

Library Facilities

Master Plan (FMP), an in-depth analysis of library development for the fast-growing City of Brampton. It takes into account the City of Brampton’s 2040 Vision and it explores what we know to be true: library spaces play a pivotal role as places of learning, creativity, socialization, and collaboration in the thriving community of Brampton. To read the plan, head to bramptonlibrary.ca and click Strategic Plan and Reports at the bottom of the homepage, in the footer.

Since the issuing of this plan, Brampton Library branches have gone through changes, including the temporary move of Chinguacousy to the Chinguacousy Park Ski Chalet in 2023 and the opening in 2024 of a temporary location for South Fletcher’s while that branch undergoes a major renovation. And coming soon, we are pleased to be opening our ninth branch in Claireville, at the corner of Queen Street and The Gore Road. This branch will occupy the second floor of a new office building and offer about 11,000 square feet of space to study, connect, learn, and browse our collections.

We recently stopped in to chat with Katrina, Teri, and Razia at South Fletcher’s temporary location in Shoppers World. Reopening just weeks after moving from Susan Fennell Sportsplex, the team worked quickly to welcome regular and new customers as they began to experiment with offering library service in one of Brampton’s largest shopping centres.

Brampton Library CEO Todd Kyle is just as excited about the temporary location and what it means for Brampton. “It’s great to work with Shoppers World to continue to bring our services to the community, and we’re grateful for the use of the temporary space and hope new and existing users will discover us here.”

South Fletcher’s temporary location in Shoppers World offers a quiet study room, children’s room, and teen room with Nintendo Switch, as well as a spacious open area with new releases, a vast selection of books to borrow, newspapers to read, and ample seating. This branch also offers holds pickup and an external returns box, free Wi-Fi, computer stations, and a selection of programming for all ages. During the renovation, printing and copying are not available and our Library Settlement Partnerships service has moved to Cyril Clark Branch Library.

Photo credit: June Dickenson

Audiobooks may hold the secret to adding reading enjoyment to your everyday life

By Olivia Olford and Princess Williams

Life moves fast. Between work, school, and a multitude of mundane tasks, finding time to slow down with a book may feel like wishful thinking. But what if I told you there’s a way to soak up all the excitement, knowledge, and joy that reading brings, even on your busiest days? Enter audiobooks — your new best friend for turning life’s routine moments into adventures. With your Brampton Library card, getting started is as easy as pressing play.

Ever wish there was more time to share stories?

If you’ve got little ones with lots of energy, it can be chaotic. Audiobooks can be transformative during car rides, dinner prep, or the bedtime routine. The best part? You’re bonding and making memories while nurturing a lifelong love for stories among the little ones that you love.

Teens deserve a break, too.

Teen life is non-stop. From school and extracurriculars to socializing, finding time to relax or explore new interests can be tough, but audiobooks can change that. Imagine putting in your earbuds and jumping into a fantasy world while walking to school, or taking a break from studying to listen briefly to a new story. Whether you're reading in short bursts, or enjoying a more leisurely listen, our audiobook eResources can make it happen.

Grown-up escapes, anytime you need them

For the rest of us, audiobooks are also a game-changer. Picture this: you’re commuting home after a long day, taking a walk to clear your mind, or even just tackling chores around the house. With audiobooks, those moments shift from rote to rejuvenating. Our audiobook collections offer choices for every taste, whether you’re in the mood for a thriller to get your heart racing, or a self-help book to improve your mindset. No checkouts, or overdue returns, just seamless access to your next great listen.

Photo credit: Alanna Fontaine

Here’s how to dive in:

We all have those pockets of time that feel wasted, but listening to audiobooks can help. To get started, visit our website, head over to the eResources section, and explore thousands of audiobooks that are only a click away with your free library card. Why wait? Audiobooks are here to transform how you read, no matter where life takes you. From family time to solo escapes, make audiobooks part of your daily rhythm and see how they can brighten your winter days and beyond.

Visit bramlib.info/audiobooks or scan the QR code to borrow an audiobook today!

Ask us!

Finding your perfect audiobook takes practice, but these tips can help make the process easier:

Check the narration style: Is it a full-cast performance or narrated by the author or a celebrity? Think about whether you enjoy a dramatic delivery or a calm, measured tone.

Look for added features: Many audiobooks include musical elements or sound effects to enhance the story.

Sample before committing: Most platforms, like cloudLibrary, allow you to listen to a preview. Sampling helps you find a narrator and tone that suits your preferences.

Explore trusted resources:

Recommendations such as the Audie Award Winners list or AudioFile reviews can point you to high-quality audiobooks.

Ask for help: Brampton Library staff are always available to offer you recommendations and guide you through our collection.

While our branches are closed on February 17, we have everything you need for fun-filled festivities to enjoy at home!

• Don't forget to visit any of our branches before Family Day to borrow board games, video games, bird kits, and more

• Enjoy reading together with ebooks available on cloudLibrary, Tumblebooks, and TeenBookCloud

• Make a craft or try an art project with Creativebug, an online learning resource

Discover all of these resources and more on our website at bramptonlibrary.ca

Reads and Recipes: Literary inspirations for your next meal

By Michele Collins and Eva Stepanian

Butter

Honey

Pig

Bread by Francesca Ekwuyasi is a deeply moving, intergenerational saga about three Nigerian women: Kambirinachi, a mother, and her twin daughters, Kehinde and Taiye. It’s a story of voracious appetites — for friendship, love, faith, forgiveness, and above all, family. Ekwuyasi’s lush prose and vibrant characters linger long after the final page. Food plays a central role in the story, evoking smells, tastes, and textures with some of the most vivid descriptions I’ve ever read.

In Butter Honey Pig Bread, food isn’t merely sustenance, it’s a source of memory, connection, and even healing. Ekwuyasi gives food an almost tangible presence, making it as essential as any of her characters. In the opening chapter, "Butter," Kambirinachi is swept up in the joy of a simple guava: "There were lovely things about being alive, she had to remember, like the taste of guavas. Their existence filled her with so much joy that it burst out of her in gleeful laughter." Later, food becomes a personal and professional anchor for Taiye, a chef, who carefully ices a cake, layering it with caramel and salt, each movement revealing her relationship to cooking.

Of all the dishes in this novel, the most mouthwatering is the jollof rice, which is described in rich, tantalizing detail. Jollof rice is typically made with longgrain rice, tomatoes, chilis, onions, spices, and sometimes other vegetables and meat — all cooked together in a single pot, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. It’s a vibrant, beloved West African dish with countless regional variations. For readers inspired to bring this dish to life, I recommend Food Across Africa: Recipes to Share by Duval Timothy, Jacob Fodio Todd, and Folayemi Brown, available in Brampton Library’s nonfiction collection. This cookbook dedicates an entire section to jollof rice, beginning with the author’s own confession: if they could eat only one thing in the world, it would be their grandmother’s jollof. The author’s recipes celebrate jollof’s comforting flavors, offering several variations to try.

Whether you’re in the mood for a beautifully layered novel or a cookbook filled with tempting recipes, both books are sure to whet your appetite for a journey in both food and story.

February is BLACK HISTORY MONTH

As we observe Black History Month through February, we are pleased to invite you to join us for programs and events that celebrate the diverse voices and experiences of our community members. In line with our commitment to diversity and inclusion, we continue to seek opportunities to amplify voices of communities that have historically been left out. This month, we honour the achievements, resilience, and contributions of Black Canadians and seek to foster greater understanding and dialogue about ongoing challenges.

Discover our lineup of programs:

The Life of Trailblazer Gloria Baylis: Performance and Panel Discussion

Cyril Clark Lecture Theatre

February 7 6:30–9 p.m.

Drums et al – Tales by Moonlight

Mount Pleasant Village

February 8 10:30–11:30 a.m.

AI Made Easy: Bias in AI

Chinguacousy

February 13 6–8 p.m.

For the latest updates on our Black History Month programming and resources, visit our website or follow us on social media @BramptonLibrary

Program dates and locations are subject to change. Please visit bramptonlibrary.ca for the most up-to-date information.

Brampton Tech Talks: Black Entrepreneurs

Springdale

February 20 7–8:30 p.m.

Tales Woven in Hair: A Braiding Workshop

Gore Meadows

February 25 6–8 p.m.

Parents, let's make your MARCH BREAK great (without

breaking the bank)

By Stephanie Jones

March Break is one of my favourite times of the year as a parent. It’s a chance to slow down, spend time with my kids, and enjoy the little moments together. There’s no pressure to buy gifts or host big meals, but between work, endless “I’m bored” complaints, and the temptation to plan expensive outings, it can still feel overwhelming.

When you make the library your best friend, you can enjoy March Break without breaking the bank. Here’s how:

Adventure Awaits

Our March Break lineup is packed with exciting, free programs!

• Discover the planetarium at our Chinguacousy branch

• Watch Magic Ian perform jaw-dropping magic tricks at select branches

• Learn about exotic animals

• Where can you meet a princess or a Brampton Steelheads hockey player? At a Storytime Adventures program.

Enjoy a stress-free playdate

• Skip the stress of hosting and meet in one of our branches! Borrow a board game or complete the Mission: March Break scavenger hunt.

• Bring the fun home with a mini stick hockey set or a birdwatching kit, free to borrow from our Library of Things collection.

• Bad weather? No worries — snuggle up and stream family-friendly movies for free on Kanopy.

Get the latest March Break updates on social media @BramptonLibrary or at bramptonlibrary.ca.

Photo credits: Jennifer Goodbrand and Puneet Sekhon

Spark creativity with Creativebug and your Brampton Library card:

• Discover thousands of online arts and crafts lessons

• Make friendship bracelets

• Upcycle an old t-shirt

Just for teens

• Film in a Day workshop

• Henna Workshop with Quin Singh

• Teen Game Nights

• Teen Meetups

• Teen Take and Make Kits

• Virtual Escape Game

Visit one of our makerspaces during March Break!

• Hands-on creativity

• Four locations: Chinguacousy, Four Corners, Gore Meadows, Springdale

Movie nights are better with free streaming.

Explore over 30,000 movies, TV shows, and documentaries to stream for free with your Brampton Library card on Kanopy!

Visit bramlib.info/kanopy or scan the QR code to get started.

Free online learning!

Explore thousands of courses related to academic success, career building, business and technology, arts and crafts, language learning, and more!

Scan the QR code or visit bramlib.info/online_learning to get started.

Bring home the excitement of our popular Kids

Discovery Club program with

Scan the QR code or visit bramlib.info/stem_packs for details. at Home Packs!

Beacon of Creativity:

Made in the makerspace

By Eva Stepanian

There’s something timeless about lighthouses, a quiet magic in their steadfast guidance through the night. The Point Abino Lighthouse has towered above the rocky north shore of Lake Erie in Fort Erie, Ontario since 1917. A Canadian Federal Heritage Building and a marvel of Beaux-Arts architecture, this lighthouse has not only served as a beacon of light for vessels but has become a symbol of resilience, history, and craftsmanship.

The Point Abino Lighthouse is more than a historical landmark — it’s a source of inspiration for today’s makers. Brampton Library customer and lighthouse enthusiast Ralph Bayer, who has long been captivated by this iconic structure, brings its story to life using makerspace equipment. Ralph captures the spirit of the lighthouse this way: “It’s important to preserve [the lighthouse] and the memory of what it represents,” he says, noting that it “helps people to understand that something can be created to last.” The lighthouse’s design and its enduring presence remind us of a time when “craftsmanship was done by hand, with each piece built to withstand the elements.”

There’s a beautiful irony in using stateof-the-art technology to recreate a century-old structure. For Ralph, the journey began with a simple yet powerful motivation: Point Abino Lighthouse was no longer accessible, yet he wanted

to bring its presence into his own life. “I thought, if I can’t go see inside of it, why not try to recreate it?” he shares. This personal challenge became a tribute to the lighthouse’s design and resilience, allowing Ralph to keep its memory alive through each layer of his 3D model, blending history with modern craftsmanship in a way that bridges the past and present.

Ralph’s journey with 3D printing in the makerspace reflects his admiration for this kind of craftsmanship, though he admits it didn’t come easily. “It was all trial and error at first,” he recalls. “Sometimes, the print wouldn’t stick to the plate, or it would come out warped. I had to learn a lot about the machines to get it right.” Each mistake helped him refine his technique, pushing him to explore makerspace equipment settings, filament types, and careful adjustments to his designs.

As Ralph refined his models of the lighthouse, he not only improved his 3D printing skills, he also gained a deeper respect for the technology and the creative process, helping him connect with the values of durability and design inherent in the Point Abino Lighthouse itself.

Photo credit: Ralph Bayer

The Point Abino Lighthouse has weathered wars, storms, and countless technological advancements, and its story reminds us of the importance of preserving the past while embracing the future. According to Ralph, “If there’s one thing I hope people take away, it’s that craftsmanship, whether it’s a lighthouse or a 3D-printed model, is a legacy. It’s a reminder that creating something with your hands, putting a piece of yourself into it, that’s how we keep these stories alive.”

Brampton Library’s makerspaces at Chinguacousy, Four Corners, Gore Meadows, and Springdale Branch Libraries are community-driven hubs where customers have access to 3D printers, Cricut machines, and more — all free to use. They are library spaces where creativity meets hands-on skill, where people of all ages come to build, learn, and share. Whether you’re making your own lighthouse or learning to design, you’re stepping into traditions of handson creativity that stretch back through time and also into the future. The library’s makerspace is not just a workshop — it’s a place to build, reflect, and create. So come in, try your hand at making something inspired.

Interested in learning more about the Point Abino Lighthouse? Visit the Point Abino Lighthouse Preservation Society (PALPS)'s website at palps.ca/about.php

Photo credit: Ralph Bayer

Teaming up to present

author events at the Library

By June Dickenson

Brampton’s Festival of Literary Diversity (FOLD) is turning 10 this year. Since festival planning first began, its Founder and Executive Director, Jael Richardson, has envisioned Brampton as a literary city, with access to author events throughout the year. While the FOLD enjoys national and international recognition and acclaim for its twice annual adult and children’s author festivals, building its local fan base is a priority. As Brampton Library is always interested in inspiring connections with authors, a new Author Talk Series partnership with the FOLD is truly something to celebrate.

“We’re so excited to partner with the Library in bringing regular author events to Brampton year-round. It’s truly a winwin situation for booklovers. The FOLD and Brampton Library get to expand our partnership and our programming, and Brampton residents get more access to more incredible authors," says Richardson.

The FOLD and Brampton Library get to expand our partnership and our programming, and Brampton residents get more access to more incredible authors.

Jael Richardson, Executive Director, Festival of Literary Diversity (FOLD)

Brampton Library CEO Todd Kyle agrees:

“It’s amazing what Jael and her team have been able to accomplish, and we’re so excited to be featuring all of these new literary voices at the Library.”

Inspiring Connections magazine spoke with Monika Trzeciakowski of Brampton Library’s Community Engagement and Partnerships division about how this exciting new programming series came about.

Monika, starting at the beginning, how did you first become aware of the FOLD?

I’ve volunteered with the Festival of Literary Diversity (FOLD) since 2016. I was one of their first interns! And I’ve been so fortunate to remain on their Festival Planning Advisory Team ever since.

And you’re also a librarian!

Yes, I was originally hired as a Brampton Library Customer Service Agent in 2017. I’ve had a few different roles at the Library since then and became an Adult and Seniors Engagement Librarian in 2024.

Please tell us how it all fits together.

In conversations with Jael, we’ve frequently talked about how we can grow FOLD programming in Brampton. It was a perfect match when I accepted my current role, with one of my focuses being on developing adult literacy programs. When Jael mentioned her dream of having an author series that the Library and the FOLD could offer together and I was tasked with developing an author series for Brampton Library, there was no question that I’d propose reaching out to the FOLD team to collaborate on this, and here we are.

Sounds like a win win, for sure! How did you approach the next steps?

In planning which authors we invite to appear, I drafted some guidelines. I knew that I wanted to feature some great Canadian authors, but I also wanted to ensure a wide range of voices and experiences among the authors chosen. I also think about whether we’re featuring books written by authors under consideration for the series in our Up for Discussion or Pride Book Clubs — it’s amazing to chat about a book you’ve read with other book club members. Attending an author event, where you have the chance to hear them speak about their work directly, can give you a greater appreciation of what you’ve read.

Plus, you can choose to ask the author directly about the things you’ve noticed in their book! I’m really excited to bring book lovers and authors together in our Brampton Library spaces.

Tell us about the authors that you have approached to participate in the new Author Talk Series.

Farah Heron appeared at Cyril Clark Branch Library and Lecture Theatre in October and Tanya Talaga just spoke at Springdale Branch Library in midDecember. On January 24th we’ll be featuring international author Sue Lynn Tan as part of her global book tour at our Chinguacousy branch.

Congratulations! Tanya Talaga has criss-crossed the country with her new book The Knowing.

Absolutely! Tanya Talaga’s event was a case of perfect timing. Tanya’s publicist at HarperCollins had reached out to Jael, hoping to plan an event in the fall (the FOLD Kids Book Fest happens annually in November, with a free Community Day at one of our branches). As Tanya’s newest release, The Knowing, isn’t a children’s book, it wasn’t the right fit for FOLD Kids. Luckily, we had just established this author series partnership, so Jael reached out to me to see if there would be an opportunity to feature Tanya there. When I saw that email come through, I have to admit that I let out a few excited screams — Tanya is an incredible journalist, shedding light on Canadian history through an Indigenous lens.

Thanks, Monika! We look forward to the upcoming authors that Brampton Library and the FOLD will be able to bring free of charge to Brampton Library branches in this new series. Stay tuned to bramptonlibrary.ca to find out more.

Photo credit: Eva Stepanian

Q&A

with Tanya Talaga

What are you reading?

Sadly, I can't read a lot when I'm writing, other than research material for my own projects — so I have a huge pile of books to get through. I recently finished VenCo by Cherie Dimaline and now I've started Blood Sisters, a novel by Vanessa Lillie, an enrolled citizen of the Cherokee Nation. I am definitely in an Indigenous woman power genre phase.

What are you watching?

I just finished watching a series, late last night — Disclaimer by Alfonso Cuarón. I binge-watched it with my daughter. It's about a journalist and documentary filmmaker who has a secret in her past. Cuarón is an incredible Mexican filmmaker. I loved Roma and his film Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban!

What are you eating?

I'm not much of a cook, but when I do I fancy a good stir fry full of veggies on brown rice. I enjoy dining out and Italian food is my favourite. I like to make smoothies full of all the good things such as blueberries, bananas, frozen fruit mixes, kale, and peanut butter. My vice is coffee. I drink too much of it, but I love it.

Where are you going?

I am going to Brampton to the FOLD, then on to Kitchener for a Book Club for Inmates visit at the Grand Valley Institution for Women.

Tanya Talaga is a member of Fort William First Nation and the author of All Our Relations: Finding the Path Forward and Seven Fallen Feathers, which won the RBC Taylor Prize, the Shaughnessy Cohen Prize for Political Writing, and the First Nation Communities Read Adult/YA Award. She is a regular columnist for The Globe and Mail and the founder of the production company Makwa Creative.

Photo credit: Eva Stepanian

Bookish brainteasers

Spot

Crossword puzzle

Down

1. Go on an adventure with special guest characters in this new storytime program

an adventure with special guest

9. Join this program to create a LEGO® masterpiece

10. The versatile vinyl cutting tool available to use for free in our makerspaces

4. This online learning resource offers thousands of high quality, on-trend arts and crafts classes

Across:

5. A book club for 2SLGBTQ+ individuals and allies

2. Special programs and events that characters in this new storytime program the legacy, accomplishments, and Black community members are part this program to create a LEGO® February observance masterpiece

Across

6. Our library branch located near Sandalwood Parkway and Bramalea Road

7. Our South Fletcher’s branch is temporarily located in this mall

3. Choose from over 30,000 movies and versatile vinyl cutting tool available to shows to stream for free on this platform free in our Makerspaces

2. Special programs and events that honour the legacy, accomplishments, and stories of Black community members are all part of this February observance

3. Choose from over 30,000 movies, TV shows, and documentaries to stream for free on this platform

8. Meet celebrated authors in this new series of programs held in partnership with the FOLD

4. This online learning resource oﬀers thousands of high quality, on-trend crafts classes

11. Enjoy newspapers and magazines in over 60 languages with this digital resource

5. A book club for 2SLGBTQ+ individuals allies

6. Our library branch located near Sandalwood Parkway and Bramalea Road