Brampton Library facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Brampton Library |
|
|---|---|
| Type | System of public libraries in Brampton, Ontario |
| Established | 1858 |
| Branches | 7 branches |
| Collection | |
| Items collected | Business directories, phone books, maps, government publications, books, periodicals, genealogy, local history |
| Size | 562,000 |
| Other information | |
| Director | Rebecca Raven |
| Staff | 160 |
The Brampton Library is a group of public libraries in Brampton, Ontario, Canada. The City of Brampton helps fund these libraries.
In 2003, during Ontario Public Library Week, the library got a new look and a shorter name. It changed from "Brampton Public Library" to simply "Brampton Library." Even though the name is shorter, many people still call it by its old name out of habit.
Today, the Brampton Library has eight locations. It holds over 562,000 items. These include books, magazines, large print materials, audio books, and DVDs. About 160 full-time and part-time staff members work there. The library serves almost 600,000 people from over 200 different backgrounds.
Rebecca Raven is the Chief Executive Officer of the Brampton Library. This role is like being the main leader of the entire library system.
Contents
History of Brampton Library
The first library in Brampton started way back in 1858. It was part of the Mechanic's Institute, a place where people could learn and share knowledge. At that time, only about 50 people lived in Brampton. This early library had 360 books.
In 1887, the first real public library opened in the Golding Building on Queen Street. Books were expensive back then because printing was costly. So, the library had strict rules. Only the librarian and the library board could take books off the shelves.
Carnegie Library Building
In 1907, the library got a special grant from Andrew Carnegie. He was a very rich businessman who believed in helping people learn. Carnegie had little formal education himself. He wanted to bring "learning to the masses." He donated money to build over 1,700 libraries around the world. Many libraries still have his name on them today.
Carnegie usually gave $10,000 for new libraries. Brampton wanted a bigger building that would cost more. After some discussions, Brampton promised to increase its yearly funding. Carnegie then gave an extra $12,500. This helped build the town's beautiful new library.
In 1946, the Brampton library did something new for its time. It allowed residents under 16 years old to borrow books. This was a big step in making books available to young people.
Growing with Brampton
During the 1960s and 1970s, Brampton grew a lot. The library system also expanded to meet the needs of more people. New branches opened, including Northwood Park, South Branch, and Heart Lake. The Heart Lake branch was later named "Cyril Clark" after a local leader.
In 1972, a developer built the Civic Centre for the town of Bramalea. This new building included a large space for a central library branch. In 1974, Brampton and Bramalea joined together. Their library systems also became one. The Chinguacousy Branch became a main resource library. It held many special materials like local history records. Most of these materials later moved to the Four Corners location in 2008.
The library stopped its "books-by-mail" service in 1975.
New branches continued to open over the years. A branch first opened in a mall, then moved to an office building. It was renamed the County Court Branch, then Fletcher's Creek Branch. When the South Fletchers Sportsplex was built, the library moved there. It was then renamed the South Fletchers Branch.
In 2011, the new Mount Pleasant branch opened in the city's northwest. This branch replaced an older, temporary location. The Gore Meadows branch opened in 2013 in the northeast. It is part of a large city recreation center.
The library is always looking to the future. Discussions are still happening about building a new, modern library downtown.
Brampton Library Branches
Here are the current branches of the Brampton Library:
| Name | Location | Dates | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chinguacousy | Bramalea 150 Central Park Drive |
Opened 1972 or 1973 | This branch is inside the Bramalea Civic Centre. It was renovated in 2016 and 2017. |
| Cyril Clark | Heart Lake 20 Loafer's Lake Lane |
Opened 1985 | This branch was one of the first fully computerized public libraries in Canada. It is named after Cyril Clark, a local leader. |
| Four Corners | Downtown 65 Queen Street East |
This was once known as the Main Branch. It is located near downtown Brampton's "Four Corners." | |
| Gore Meadows | Gore Meadows 10150 The Gore Road |
Opened 2013 | |
| Mount Pleasant Village | Mount Pleasant 100 Commuter Dr. |
Opened 25 Nov 2011 | This branch is connected to the Mount Pleasant Village School and Community Centre. It replaced an older temporary site. |
| Springdale | Springdale 10705 Bramalea Road |
Opened 2017 | |
| South Fletcher's | Fletcher's Creek South 500 Ray Lawson Blvd |
Opened 1997 | |
| South West Branch | Huttonville 8405 Financial Dr. |
Opening 2019 |
Past Brampton Library Branches
Here are some of the branches that are no longer open:
| Name | Location | Dates | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bramalea | Bramalea 106 East Drive |
Closed around 1972 or 1973 | This branch was replaced by the Chinguacousy branch. |
| Carnegie | Downtown 55 Queen Street East |
1907-1974 | This building was funded by Andrew Carnegie. It was replaced by the Four Corners branch. |
| County Court | Fletcher's Creek South 201 County Court Boulevard |
1988-1991 | This branch was replaced by the Fletcher's Creek branch. |
| Fletcher's Creek | Fletcher's Creek South 7700 Hurontario Street South |
1991-1997 | This branch replaced the County Court branch. It was later replaced by the South Fletcher's branch. |
| Northeast Interim Site | Springdale 55 Mountainash Road, Unit 24 |
Closed Oct 1, 2016 | This temporary branch closed because a new, larger branch was expected to open nearby. |
| Northwest Interim | Mount Pleasant 10500 Creditview Road |
Closed 2011 | This temporary branch served a fast-growing area. It was replaced by the Mount Pleasant branch. |
| Northwood Park | Flowertown and Northwood Park 10 Flowertown Avenue |
Closed 28 June 1975 | This branch closed due to budget cuts. |
| South | Eldomar Heights/Peel Village 160 Main Street South |
November 1966-28 June 1975 | This branch was located at the Brampton Mall. It also closed due to budget cuts. |
Library Services
The Brampton Library offers many services for everyone:
- Information and help finding things
- Access to online databases with full articles
- Information about the community
- Internet access
- Help finding books you might like
- Programs for children, teens, and adults
Services for Teens
The library has special programs just for teens:
- Youth Leadership Program
- Teen Library Council
- Animation-Manga Club
- Toastmasters Program (to help with public speaking)
- Babysitting courses
Images for kids
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Brampton Library Springdale Branch
