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.
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.
Ask a Legal Worker
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 Noon; No sessions in July & August.
- Alton Branch – January 25, March 28, May 23, September 26, November 28, 1pm to 3pm
- Tansley Woods Branch – February 22, April 25, June 27, October 24, 1pm to 3pm
Big Brothers Big Sisters
Talk to a Big Brothers Big Sisters representative to find out how you can make a difference in the community. Learn about the various Big Brothers Big Sisters program opportunities, how to enrol a young person, or apply to become a volunteer mentor.
- This drop-in service is currently UNAVAILABLE until further notice. If you are looking for information from BBBS, please call 905.525.3860.
Employment Services
Learn how to plan your job search and find work with help from an employment specialist from Goodwill Employment Services. 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: Every Wednesday, 10am to Noon
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 forms, translation, and citizenship or permanent resident status information.
- Where: Alton Branch
- When: 2nd Wednesday every month (see Exceptions below), 10am to 1pm
- Exceptions: In March, the session is on the 1st Wednesday; No sessions in July & August.
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
Résumé Review
Get advice on creating a résumé that's best for your job search situation from job specialists at Goodwill Employment Services.
- Where: Central Branch
- When: Last Wednesday every month, 10am to Noon
ROCK REACHout Help For Parents
Bring questions about your child's behavioural, social and emotional development and well-being to this informal chat session with the Early Years team from Reach Out Centre for Kids (ROCK). Hear about ROCK's programs and services that support parents and caregivers of young children.
- Where: Central Branch
- When: Every Thursday, 9:30 to 11:30am
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
- Aldershot Branch – January 8, March 18, May 13, July 8, September 9, November 18, 1pm to 4pm
- Alton Branch – 2nd Tuesday every month (except in March the session is on the 3rd Wednesday), 1pm to 4pm
- Tansley Woods Branch – 4th Monday every month (except December), 1pm to 4pm
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
Women's Centre of Halton
The Women's Centre of Halton supports women who are in crisis or distress, or who are 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