Drop-in Support Services

five adults linking hands

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.

Mental Health Counselling

When you’re facing stress, relationship challenges, or emotional difficulties, you don’t have to navigate it alone. Drop in to speak with a counsellor from Stronger Together. Get free, confidential mental health support and confidential one-on-one counselling when affected by, in crisis, or at risk of intimate partner violence (IPV) or gender-based violence (GBV). No appointment needed. 

Get support with:

  • Emotional well-being and stress management.
  • Safety planning and counselling for individuals needing mental health support.
  • Referrals to ongoing counselling and other community resources.
  • Client care packages

Where: Central Branch

When: Temporarily CANCELLED. In the meantime, please contact the Stronger Together program by email at strongertogether@achev.ca. 

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: Every Wednesday, 10am to Noon. No sessions in December.

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 and August.

Tansley Woods Branch: 4th Thursday every month, 2pm to 4pm. No sessions in February, July, August, and December.

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

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. No sessions in July and August.

HMC Connections also offers citizenship test preparation and other programs at the library. View the upcoming programs

Help with ODSP

Get support from an Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) caseworker, whether you're an existing client, want more information about the services and eligibility, or need assistance applying.

Where: Central Branch

When: Every Tuesday, 1pm to 4pm

Service Canada

canadian flag

Get one-stop access to various federal government services at our Service Canada clinic.

Where and When

Central Branch: Thursdays: Sep 17 & Dec 17, 1pm to 4pm

Tansley Woods Branch: Mon September 28, 1pm to 4pm

  • Issuing (same day) Social Insurance Numbers.
  • Issuing (same day) Personal Access Codes to register for a My Service Canada Account - access to Employment Insurance claims, Records of Employment, Canada Pension Plan estimates, Old Age Security (OAS) benefits, and the Canadian Dental Care Plan.
  • Applications, enquiries and supporting document submission for the following programs:
    • Employment Insurance
    • CPP, OAS & Guaranteed Income Supplement
    • Canadian Dental Care Plan
    • Canada Disability Benefit
  • Passport enquiries only—no application submissions.

Help for Women

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: 1st & last Friday every month, 10am to 1pm

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.

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