Get personal help from local service organizations who bring their expertise into the library during free drop-in sessions.
During drop-in hours, you can talk to various specialists. You never have to make an appointment; service workers help you on a first-come-first-served basis. You can use these drop-in services without being a library member.
- Halton Community Legal Services - help with legal questions
- Goodwill Employment Services - job and career help
- HMC Connections - help for newcomers to Canada
- Halton Region - help with housing questions
- Service Canada - help with government documents and services
- The Women's Centre of Halton - help for women in crisis or transition
Help Available at the Library
Unless stated, community drop-in programs run continuously throughout the year. As well as these drop-in sessions, our Information Burlington staff are also available for support and referrals to community services.
If you need an accessibility accommodation during your visit to the library, please contact us a few days before by email or call 905.639.3611 extension 1211.
Legal Help
Drop in with your questions about Ontario Works, human rights, tenants’ rights, disability benefits, government pensions, and employment insurance or standards. Come for one-to-one help with a Halton Community Legal Services Intake Worker.
Where and When
Central Branch: 2nd Wednesday every month, 10am to 1pm; No sessions in July & August.
Tansley Woods Branch: 4th Thursday every month, 2pm to 4pm; No sessions in July, August, and December.
Employment Services & Résumé Review
Learn how to plan your job search and find work with help from an employment specialist from Goodwill Employment Services. Get advice on creating a résumé that's best for your job search situation. Find out if you are eligible for a skills training program and learn more about Employment Ontario and the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP).
Where: Central Branch
When: 4th Wednesday every month, 10am to Noon; No drop-in on December 24, 2025.
Help for Newcomers
When you are new to Canada and need to know the first things to do to live in your new country, drop in to meet with a settlement worker from HMC Connections. Get help with:
- government services and support at the federal, provincial, and municipal levels
- translation services
- your immigration process
- citizenship or permanent resident status information
Where: Alton Branch
When: 2nd Wednesday every month, 10am to 1pm
Help with Housing
Are you looking for an apartment or a room to rent in Halton? Do you have concerns with your landlord? Get advice from Halton Housing Help during this drop-in session.
Where: Central Branch
When: Every Tuesday, 9am to 1pm
Service Canada
Get one-stop access to various federal government services at our Service Canada weekly clinic.
Where and When
Central Branch: 1st & 3rd Thursday every month, 1pm to 4pm.
Alton Branch: 2nd Tuesday every month, 1pm to 4pm; No drop-in sessions in July, August, and November.
Tansley Woods Branch: 4th Monday every month, 1pm to 4pm; No drop-in sessions in January, July, and August.
Clinic Services
- Issuing (same day) Social Insurance Numbers
- Issuing (same day) Personal Access Codes to set up a My Service Canada Account. This account allows you access information about Employment Insurance claims, Records of Employment, applying for Canadian Pension Plan (CPP) and Old Age Security (OAS) benefits, and gain access to My CRA Account.
- Employment Insurance enquiries and supporting document submissions
- CPP/OAS enquiries, application reviews, and supporting document submissions
- Canadian Dental Care Plan enquiries and supporting document submissions
- Passport enquiries only—no application submissions
The Women's Centre of Halton
The Women's Centre of Halton supports women who are in crisis, distress, or in transition. A Family Court Advocate will be at the library during drop-in sessions.
Where: Central Branch
When: 2nd & 4th Friday every month, 10am to 1pm
Drop-in Services
Family Court Advocacy:
- Case Management and System Navigation Support: one-on-one emotional and practical support throughout the family court process
- Preparing for Court Proceedings: filling out forms or understanding court procedures
- General Information: offer insights into family law issues (do not provide legal advice)
- Exploring Legal Options: explore alternative dispute resolution and determine next steps
- Accompanying You to Court when appropriate
- Referrals and Community Support
- Safety Planning: post-separation and court-related safety planning
Information about other Women's Centre services:
- Borrow a Laptop: laptop loan program to support personal and professional development goals.
- Legal Clinic: 30-minute legal advice over the phone for issues related to family, criminal, immigration and wills & estate law
- Counselling: free mental health, abuse and trauma counselling
- Life Skills Coaching: one-on-one self-esteem coaching sessions with a certified life coach
- Employment Coaching: help with resumes, job search strategy, interview prep, social media profiles, and more
- Peer Support