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Old Post Office terrace area is closed due to repairs
The outdoor terrace on the second floor of the Old Post Office is closed to public access as it undergoes some repairs.

Connecting Community: Your Library's Community Desk

A community representative sits behind the Community Desk with a computer at Queen's Square.

Not only are libraries great places to pick up your next read, they're also welcoming spaces where community connections thrive.

The Community Desk is one example of how your library supports local engagement by offering a space for local non-profit organizations to connect with residents, share information, and host events in a safe and inclusive environment.

At Queen’s Square, a dedicated Community Desk is available year-round. Other library locations create similar spaces upon request. This flexibility ensures that community organizations have accessible opportunities to reach people where they are.

Past partnerships

The Community Desk has hosted a variety of organizations that bring valuable programs and services to the community, including:

  • LINC Canada, which organized events to find host families for international summer students.
  • University of Guelph Child Emotion and Mental Health Lab, which collaborated with families to support research on children’s mental health.
  • Connect My Health Ontario, which introduced a secure mobile app for accessing hospital and lab records across Ontario.

Current partnerships

The following organizations are currently partnering with the Community Desk:

  • Serco EmployNext, which works with local employment agencies to help community members find work and access employment-related programs.
  • Extend-A-Family, which provides support to individuals with disabilities, their families, and the broader community.
  • Langs Outreach Services, which connects unhoused and housing-insecure individuals with personalized, coordinated care plans.
  • YWCA Dollars & Sense , which will offer financial planning and budgeting support.

How to connect

The Community Desk exists because the library is a trusted, non-judgmental space where everyone can access information and support. By partnering with non-profit organizations, your library helps make essential services more visible and accessible to all.

Search for current Community Desk programming in the online events calendar, in the What’s Happening flyer available at all locations, or inquire with staff during your next library visit.

The Community Desk continues to demonstrate how libraries serve as vital hubs for connection, learning, and community well-being.