Brampton teens planning their next step after high school and residents with a broken lamp, bicycle or laptop both have a free event to check out this month, as Brampton Library hosts programs at two of its branches.
A College and University Fair takes place at the Springdale branch, 10705 Bramalea Rd., on Oct. 19 from 4 to 7 p.m. It is aimed at youth aged 13 to 19, according to Brampton Library's online listings.
Representatives from Ontario colleges and universities will be at the fair to answer questions about planning a path after high school. The library's event page lists which schools are sending representatives, so students can review the roster ahead of time.
The listing describes the fair as an information event, meaning students should not expect admission decisions, scholarship offers or one-on-one counselling appointments there. But for anyone still weighing programs or schools, it offers a chance to ask questions directly.
Repair Café returns to Four Corners
The following Friday, Oct. 24, the Four Corners branch at 65 Queen St. E. will turn into a pop-up repair shop. The Repair Café runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
There is no advance registration. Attendees sign in their item and complete a waiver when they arrive, and repair check-in closes at 2 p.m., one hour before the event wraps up.
The library asks each person to bring just one item for repair, along with any replacement parts it needs. Volunteer fixers list experience with bicycles, sewing, computers, electronics and small appliances — though the listings note that describes the skills on hand rather than a guarantee every item can be accepted or fixed.
The café is offered in partnership with Let's Get Together and Bike Brampton. Anyone who wants to help with repairs, or simply watch and pick up fix-it tips, can sign up as a volunteer through the event page.
E-waste drop-off included
The same event includes a Tech Collect drop-off for electronic waste, metal waste, batteries and printer cartridges, with no limit on how many items can be dropped off.
Used, broken and unwanted laptops and computers collected at the drop-off will be refurbished and given to community members in need.
The library says visitors should keep the refurbishing collection separate from the repair service, which is meant for people hoping to fix and keep their own device.
Both events are free. The library advises checking its official calendar before heading out in case details change — and with the dates a few days apart, there is time to prepare questions for the fair and track down that broken item, and its parts, for the café.
