The Halton Hills Public Library Offering Virtual Court Appearance Sessions

HALTON HILLS, ON/ November 17, 2020 – The Halton Hills Public Library is pleased to announce it has partnered with the Milton and Burlington Courthouses to provide community members a quiet space to access virtual court sessions. In August 2020, a Province-wide implementation of virtual courts began in which criminal case management appearances were conducted via videoconferencing or audioconferencing. This new process allows courts to continue proceedings and clear the backlog of cases due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Halton Hills Public Library has come on board to help Milton and Burlington by offering the community a personal access space to conduct first appearance court sessions as needed. Some individuals may not have a permanent residence and may not have access to a computer or WiFi; therefore, HHPL can provide the virtual access and privacy to help assist. Community members who attend a court session require a library card to attend their virtual court appointment. HHPL cards can be attained at a service desk with valid ID or proof of address. Residents without valid ID or proof of address, can get a Transitional Library Card or a Virtual Card. HHPL asks that individuals arrive 15-30 minutes prior to their court session to allow time to register for a card, and be set up to attend the virtual court. “We are pleased to assist Milton and Burlington in offering a quiet space for members of the community who need digital access and privacy for their court sessions,” says Melanie Southern, Chief Librarian. “Libraries are vital community resource hubs for all residents. As such, Halton Hills Public Library strives to educate, assist and support all members of the community."