Brampton’s literary landscape just got a vibrant upgrade. On Tuesday, March 11, the Brampton Library threw open the doors of its ninth branch—the Claireville Branch Library—at 8750 The Gore Rd., nestled in the bustling east-end community of Claireville. Spanning an impressive 11,500 square feet across the entire second floor of a newly constructed office building, this modern haven goes beyond the traditional stacks. Alongside a robust collection of books in multiple languages—reflecting Brampton’s diverse populace—the branch boasts board games, video game stations, and a groundbreaking feature: the Touch2Play Max, a touchscreen gaming system manufactured in Collingwood, Ontario. “It’s state-of-the-art, the first of its kind in a Canadian library, and it’s exclusive to Claireville,” June Dickenson, Brampton Library’s marketing and communications manager, enthused in an interview with the Brampton Guardian. “It’s mounted right in the facility—perfect for kids and teens to dive into interactive fun without taking it home.”
The Claireville Branch, open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday to Sunday, marks the library system’s first new outpost since the South West Branch launched at 8405 Financial Dr. in Lionhead Marketplace back in 2020. It’s a milestone for a city where library usage soared past 14 million items circulated in 2023 alone, per Brampton Library’s annual reports. “This branch is a game-changer for east Brampton, blending learning with innovation,” said Regional Councillor Rowena Santos of Wards 1 & 5, a tireless advocate for community spaces who’s pushed for enhanced public services since her 2018 election . Her ward includes parts of Claireville, a growing hub near Highway 427 known for its industrial parks and residential boom.
Mayor Patrick Brown, whose 2022 re-election campaign leaned hard on expanding recreational and cultural access, hailed the opening as a citywide win. “Claireville’s opening shows our commitment to expanding recreation and connection points across the city—it’s a win for every resident,” he told the Guardian. The branch’s high-tech edge aligns with Brown’s vision of a “future-ready” Brampton, a theme he’s championed amid projects like the Toronto Metropolitan University medical school, which prompted last August’s Chinguacousy Branch relocation from the Civic Centre to the Donald M. Gordon Chinguacousy Park Ski Chalet.
CEO Todd Kyle, steering the library’s growth since 2011, bubbled with excitement in a statement: “Brampton Library is thrilled to open its ninth branch to serve the Claireville neighbourhood in the east of the city. We invite everyone to join us to connect to your community and the world through our books, programs, study spaces, gaming, and play centres.” The branch’s design caters to all ages, with quiet reading nooks, collaborative areas, and that buzzworthy Touch2Play Max drawing curious crowds on opening day, according to social media posts on X.
Regional Councillor Paul Vicente, also representing Wards 1 & 5 alongside Santos, underscored the branch’s deeper impact. “Libraries like this strengthen our neighborhoods and give families a place to thrive,” he told reporters, echoing his focus on community-building initiatives since joining council (source: Brampton.ca). Claireville’s arrival follows a five-year gap in new library builds, a period marked by renovations and strategic shifts—like the Chinguacousy move to accommodate academic expansion. With its blend of old-school charm and futuristic flair, Claireville isn’t just a library—it’s a beacon for a city on the rise.