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 ADAPT - support for alcohol, substance use, and behavioural concerns
- Goodwill Employment Services - job and career help
- Halton Community Legal Services - help with legal questions
- Halton Region - help with housing questions
- HMC Connections - help for newcomers to Canada
- Province of Ontario - help with the Ontario Disability Support Program
- 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.
Addictions Support
Halton ADAPT supports individuals with goals related to alcohol, substance use, and behavioural concerns. They also support families and caregivers who struggle with a loved one’s substance or behaviour concern. ADAPT provides a full spectrum of services to meet the needs of the community through individual counselling, case management, and group education & support.
Drop in to speak with a counsellor and get more information on their services.
Where: Central Branch
When: Every Thursday, 10am to Noon, beginning August 6
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.
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 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
Get one-stop access to various federal government services at our Service Canada clinic.
Where and When
Central Branch: Thu September 17 & Thu December 17, 1pm to 4pm
Tansley Woods Branch: Mon September 28, 1pm to 4pm
Clinic Services
- 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
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.
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