Brampton Library is not just a pillar of the Brampton community; it is also a real hub for creativity, collaboration, and connection. This is not a run-of-the-mill library, people! Being a proud Brampton Public Library cardholder gets you access to so much amazing (and free) stuff! Let’s face it – as startup founders, we need all the help we can get. Let’s find out how to put your Brampton Library Card to more use, and grow your business for less!
First things first, how do I get a Brampton Public Library Card?
If you’re a resident of Ontario – membership is completely FREE! You can apply online or visit any Brampton Library location. To apply, you need to have a piece of identification with your current address.
Here is a list of accepted IDs.
You can also view this Youtube virtual tour that shows you how to sign up online.
1. An infinite supply of magazines, newspapers, audiobooks, movies
You can access full-colour, digital versions of top newspapers and magazines from around the world, in over 60 languages, with a Brampton Public Library Card!
I know we’re as teary-eyed as you! You don’t have to steal quick reads at bookshops or airports or read just the first paragraph of a locked article any more to stay up-to-date with your industry happenings.
The information liberation is unmatched! You can now conduct market research and get inspired by your favourite entrepreneurs and authors. directors, stay on top of industry news, find out about market trends with everyone else, and even support your PR team by tracking and identifying potential spots for media mentions in relevant magazines and newspapers.
2. Upskill and learn business skills with professional courses
You can get access to free courses conducted by expert college instructors with Brampton Public Library’s collaborations with the likes of Gale Courses and LinkedIn Learning!
Gale even has bundles specifically created for Entrepreneurs, like Gale OneFile: Entrepreneurship and Gale OneFile: Leadership and Management. Free courses on Accounting, Business Communication, Building Teams, Employment Law, Blockchain Fundamentals, and more await you on the other side!
3. A nest egg of data – from trusted sources
Although most of these resources are already available for free, thanks to Canada’s Open Data policy, Brampton Public Library does a great job of putting them together in one place. You never have to think twice about the credibility of your data again.
Want information on Brampton’s business and economy, community, infrastructure, land use and development?
Want to find national statistics on income and spending, population and demographics, economic indicators, labour, or trade?
Want to dig out global data on the economy, energy, geography, military, and transnational issues for 267 countries?
Want to pitch your service to select schools, hospitals, daycares, community clubs, and clinics in the Peel Region?
It’s all right here!
4. Makerspace: A creative haven with 3D Printing, Desktop Cutting Machines, and more!
Find Makerspaces at 3 of Brampton Public Library’s branches – Chinguacousy, Four Corners, and Springdale. As the name suggests, this space houses digital and makers tools available to creators and innovators of our society!
You can create product prototypes, marketing collaterals, event materials, and so much more, all completely for free.
Available equipment includes:
- 3D Printers
- Desktop Cutting Machines (for vinyl and paper cutting)
- Video and Photo Digitizing Tools
- Button Makers
If you don’t know how to use these machines yet, it’s alright – Makerspace has free programs to train and educate you on how to do this right!
5. The perfect networking hub
Brampton’s vibrant entrepreneurial community is very active, and the numerous entrepreneurial-themed events reflect the city’s passion! Follow Brampton Public Library’s calendar to find events around you to meet like-minded people:
- Coffee ‘n’ Code: Connect and collaborate with programmers of all experience levels while catching up over a free coffee!
- Brampton Tech Talks: Attend talks by industry experts and interact with people interested in the same topics as you!
- MakerFest: A superb event series to learn from other small business owners. Also a great plug-in opportunity for your own business. Contact MakersFest organizers to find out how you could host a workshop or speak at an event.
6. Borrow more than books
Brampton Public Library’s program ‘The Library of Things’ is a unique way to help the community by allowing a system of borrowing useful kits. Bootstrapped startups, I hope you’re listening! You can borrow the following:
- A Go Pro Kit to finally shoot your business promo or get started with content creation!
- Board Games, Seasonal Activity Kits, and Bird Kits to make team-building activities for your employees more fun!
Needless to say, this comes with responsibilities and fees in case of damages!
Remember to bookmark the Brampton Public Library website and frequent the closest branch to you to really experience Brampton, its entrepreneurial culture, and its young, spirited community.
They have 7 branches in Brampton:
The operational hours for all branches (except South West) are:
Monday–Thursday: 10 am – 9 pm
Friday–Sunday: 10 am – 6 pm
Starting up in Canada?
We are BHive, a startup incubator located in Brampton, Ontario. We offer international startups the tools, resources, and space to establish – and quickly scale – their businesses in Canada and North America. To apply to our Global Entrepreneur Incubation Program, click here!
