Brantford Public Library in the News, 2005
- Brantford Public Library Now Downtown's Latest "Hot Spot", News Release, 17 June 2005
- Brantford Public Library Launches its New Website on March 21, 2005, News Release, 21 March 2005
- Public Open Houses Scheduled to View Draft Vision for Main Library's Third Floor, News Release, 18 February 2005
Brantford Public Library Now Downtown's Latest "Hot Spot"
In response to the increasing demand for Internet access on its public computers, the Main Branch of the Brantford Public Library is going Wi-Fi! This latest technology in Internet service is now available to anyone with a wireless enabled laptop or hand held computer. By accessing the Library's wireless "hot spot", customers can now use their own equipment to find and use information on the Internet through the library's high-speed Internet connection. There is no charge to use the service and the best part is there is no waiting for an available Internet station!
"We're just thrilled to be able to offer this to the community. It's an exciting technology," says Library CEO, Rose Vespa. "Wireless Internet service is one more way we can increase access to electronic resources," she added.
The service, made possible by a Library Strategic Development Fund grant from the Ontario Ministry of Culture, is Brantford Public Library's most recent addition to its impressive slate of services and resources.
Nancy Wolf, Manager of Information Technology and Support Services is very pleased with the new program. "With this technology in place, users can bring their own laptop computers to the library, use all of the books and reference sources, connect to the Internet and access the familiar programs and personal documents stored on their computers. It's so convenient."
The wireless access is currently only available on the lower floor of the Main Library. Experienced WiFi users will find using the service quite easy. For those with less experience, the library will provide a short "how to" brochure for support.
Brantford Public Library serves the 90,195 residents of the City of Brantford. Members of the community have come to rely on Brantford Public Library as a great place to find information on everything from auto repair to zoology. Last year, citizens made over 467,000 trips to the Brantford Public Library, accessed over 5.3 million Web pages and checked out more than 735,000 books, videos, and other resources. Internationally recognized for successfully combining traditional services with the latest technology, it also serves as a "virtual university library" for Brantford Campus students of Wilfrid Laurier University.
For more information contact:
Paula Thomlison, Manager
Marketing, Communications & Development
756-2220 extension 343
Email: pthomlison@brantford.library.on.ca
Brantford Public Library Launches its New Website on March 21, 2005
The development of a new web page is another exciting milestone for Brantford Public Library - a library that is well known for being innovative and progressive. Responding to changing technology and customer needs, the new site is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and can service customers in their homes, workplaces and schools.
"Library cardholders can access their accounts, check what they have out on loan and make sure they know when their materials are due back," said CEO, Rose Vespa. "They can also check the library catalogue to see if the title they want is available before taking a trip to the library, or place the book on hold if it isn't."
With the exceptional suite of online services available, visitors to the site can access newspapers and magazines, view extensive photograph databases from news bureaus like Reuters and browse TV and radio transcripts from CBC, ABC news and National Public Radio. Visitors to the site can also read online book reviews, check out new titles and find out what's happening at their local library. With the addition of the exciting NetLibrary ebook collection, library users can be assured of having access to a good book anytime of day. Brantford's rich Local history is brought to life through pages dedicated to the people, places and events that have shaped our city. And if you're looking to find out about the many programs available at the Library, the website provides all the details you need.
To mark the occasion, Brantford Public Library is holding an online contest: Win a Night on the Town. Everyone who visits the site and enters online has the opportunity to win one of two grand prizes. Sponsored by: The Expositor, The Sanderson Centre for the Performing Arts, Warmington's Bistro, John Peel Restaurant and Steakhouse, Wendy's and Zehrs, the winners will enjoy a wonderful night on the town featuring great food and entertainment. For more information, visit the site at www.brantford.library.on.ca
Brantford Public Library serves the 90,195 residents of the City of Brantford. Members of the community have come to rely on Brantford Public Library as a great place to find information on everything from auto repair to zoology. Last year, citizens made over 467,000 trips to the Brantford Public Library, accessed over 5.3 million Web pages and checked out more than 735,000 books, videos, and other resources. Internationally recognized for successfully combining traditional services with the latest technology, it also serves as a "virtual university library" for Brantford Campus students of Wilfrid Laurier University.
For more information contact:
Paula Thomlison, Manager
Marketing, Communications & Development
756-2220 extension 343
Email: pthomlison@brantford.library.on.ca
Public Open Houses Scheduled to View Draft Vision for Main Library's Third Floor
Brantford Public Library will hold public open houses to present a draft "vision" for the future use of the Main Library's third floor, which is presently undeveloped. The Main Library is located at 173 Colborne Street in the heart of downtown.
The draft vision proposes changes to all three levels of the Main Library. The concept involves creating interactive working environments, additional space for digital resources, a self-help computer centre, and more study/meeting space.
Bruce Hodgson, Library Board Chair, said, "the development of the third floor of the Main Library represents an excellent opportunity to satisfy many of the emerging needs of local residents and the growing post-secondary student population now and in the future."
The development of the draft vision has involved extensive research and consultation with key stakeholders, including library staff and various local organizations. This is the public's first opportunity to provide comments and opinion on the proposal. Residents are encouraged to drop by any of the informal open houses to review the proposal and provide their input.
An Industry Canada Knowledge Based Economy Grant was secured for the Brantford Public Library through Enterprise Brant in 2004. With these funds, BPL hired the consulting team of Monteith Brown Planning Consultants, Libraries in Transition, and The Walter Fedy Partnership to undertake the Planning Study.
"We look forward to meeting with the public to discuss the proposal and receive their feedback" said Todd Brown, Principal Planner with Monteith Brown Planning Consultants. "The public's comments will provide further direction as we proceed to the next stage of the process - the development of conceptual floor plans and capital cost estimates."
The public open houses are scheduled as follows:
- February 23, 2005, 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., Main Library-173 Colborne Street
- February 23, 2005, 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Wayne Gretzky Centre
- March 2, 2005, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., Odeon Building - Room 110, Laurier Brantford Campus
Brantford Public Library serves the 90,195 residents of the City of Brantford. Members of the community have come to rely on Brantford Public Library as a great place to find information on everything from auto repair to zoology. Last year, citizens made over 467,000 trips to the Brantford Public Library, accessed over 5.3 million Web pages and checked out more than 735,000 books, videos, and other resources. Internationally recognized for successfully combining traditional services with the latest technology, it also serves as a "virtual university library" for Brantford Campus students of Wilfrid Laurier University.
For more information contact:
Paula Thomlison, Manager
Marketing, Communications & Development
756-2220 extension 343
Email: pthomlison@brantford.library.on.ca
