Community Supports
Stratford Public Library's commitment to your well-being stretches well beyond the confines of our shelves. We're also a place where you can find the resources, connections, and care that you need.
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Anti-Hate Education Program
Each Wednesday, Sara McIntyre from Canadian Mental Health Association Huron-Perth will be at the library offering drop-in style education, resources and support for youth and families experiencing bullying, discrimination or hate-motivated incidents.
TWEENS/TEENS: Wednesdays | 11AM - 12PM
PARENTS/GUARDIANS: 2nd Wednesday of the month 1 -3 PM; 4th Wednesday of month 6 - 8 PM
Please note: All drop-ins are open to anyone, but the following times are held with different groups in mind
No appointments are required and services are first-come, first-served.
Visit our event page for dates and times
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Children's Resource Consultant Drop-In
The City of Stratford Children’s Resource Consultant Program works with early learning and childcare programs to support the inclusion of all children ages 0-12. They are visiting the library on alternating Mondays from 2:15-4:15 to provide community consultations to enhance program accessibility and outreach initiatives.
If you have questions or concerns related to your child’s development, please drop in during our service hours to connect with a Resource Consultant.
Their services include:
- Making connections and referrals to other service providers
- Supporting smooth transitions to school and/or childcare programs
- Creating an Individual Support Plan, if needed
- Administering developmental screening tools
- Offering support, suggestions, and resources to families and childcare programs
- Inform parents and educators of training and educational opportunities
- Providing community support and consultation at EarlyON programs
Starts March 3, 2025. Please check our weekly calendar for confirmed dates. No registration required.
Mondays (every other) | 2:15-4:15pm | Children's Floor | tables near literacy stations
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End Period Poverty
Everyone who menstruates deserves to have a safe, comfortable period. But, not everyone can afford the supplies they need. Since October 2023, the Huron-Perth Period Poverty Task Force has been stocking all library washrooms in Huron and Perth Counties with the supplies needed to get you through your day. If you can't find what you need, let us know, your feedback will help us improve!
Find more about this program and service at splibrary.ca/end-period-poverty
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Office Hours: Career Development
An Adult Learning Program Coordinator from Adult Learning Programs of Perth is available once a month with "Office Hours" at the library to help you develop skills to grow your career, switch careers, prepare for employment, apprenticeship, secondary school credit, and more..
Registration is encouraged but not required. Register by emailing scostache@splibrary.ca
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Settlement Services
Settlement Workers from the YMCA of Three Rivers are available in the Library to support newcomer and immigrant needs by providing information in areas including orientation to library programs, citizenship, housing, education, English Language Assessment and referrals to community resources. Services are offered remotely, by phone or in person.
Visit our event page for dates and times
Contact Information:
- To connect with a Library Settlement Worker email Lily Yin, lily.yin@ytr.ymca.ca or call 548-255-1239
- For all other inquiries email newcomersperthcounty@ytr.ymca.ca or visit the YMCA website for more information
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Snack Stop
Whether your study session's gone marathon, you forgot part of your lunch, or your budget is getting stretched by inflation, we've got you! SPL's Snack Stop stocks both snack foods and non-perishables that are free and available whenever the library is open. Please help yourself!
Want to support Snack Stop? Make a financial donation.
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Social Worker Drop-in Hours
A Social Worker from Family Services Perth-Huron is available at the library from 1 - 3 PM on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month. Services include brief individual and family counselling, as well as referrals to other community resources:
- 1:1 support with interpersonal relationships, life stress, and transitions
- Senior and caregiver supports
- Men's and women's programs and groups
- Sexual abuse survivor supports
- Youth supports
- Counselling and developmental services support
- Violence against women supports
- Help with government documents
- Referrals to various community partners such as Housing/Addiction and Mental Health/Employment services
No appointments are required and services are first-come, first-served.
Visit our event page for dates and times
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TAXES: Community Volunteer Income Tax Program
Need help getting your taxes done? If you have a modest income and a simple tax situation, you may qualify to have your taxes done for free through the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP). This program begins February 2025.
We offer two options for filing returns:- Drop off your documents at the library, and the library and volunteer will mail your documents back after filing
- Attend a Zoom meeting with the volunteer who will complete your return
Contact Shauna Costache at scostache@splibrary.ca or 519-271-0220 x114 or complete the form below to get started.
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Welcome To Stratford Package
Are you new to Stratford? We're excited to help you settle into your new home with valuable free resources, information and services at no cost to you.
View our Welcome To Stratford page to learn more.
Questions? Email us at askspl@splibrary.ca or call 519-271-0220
