What are Community Navigators?
The Community Navigator program is a partnership between Employment and Social Services (ESS) and the Chatham Kent Public Libraries (CKPL). The Community Navigators assist residents of Chatham-Kent with navigating systems (Housing, Education, Employment, and Income), working with technology, and connecting with supportive community services. Working together, CKPL and ESS can bring these services to all residents of Chatham Kent through the 11 branches of the library.
Who does a Community Navigator help?
Community Navigators can assist anyone in the Chatham-Kent Community who may be looking for support and services free of charge. Community Navigators created the CK Community Resources Document as a partner resource which showcases all community supports and services available throughout Chatham-Kent.
CK Community Resources Document
What does a Community Navigator do?
- Provide one-to-one instruction in accessing government, social and health services online
- Provide referrals to other social services, employment and educational programs in the community
- Assist patrons with completing applications for government programs and benefits
- Completing personal income tax returns for qualifying low-income residents
- Employment Support:
- Create, edit, copy and proofread resumes
- The development of a cover letter
- Complete online job applications
- Interview information and preparation support
- Assistance with research on potential employers
- Finding and understanding Labour Market information
- Deliver workshops and clinics including the Rent Smart program and I.D. clinics
- Provides computers to qualifying low-income youth, families and eligible charitable and non-profit organizations via the Computer Connects program
How can I connect with a Community Navigator?
Appointments are required to meet with a Community Navigator.
Please contact the team in advance to book your appointment.
Community Navigator services are available by appointment virtually or in person
Monday to Friday from 8:30 am – 4:00 pm.
To schedule an appointment, please:
In person services are available weekly at the Chatham-Kent Public Library Chatham and Wallaceburg branches.
Services at all other library branches are available by appointment only, based on staff availability.
Please note that library hours may change due to holiday schedules.
Chatham Branch
120 Queen Street, Chatham, ON N7M2G5
Tuesday and Thursday 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Wallaceburg Branch
209 James Street, Wallaceburg, ON N8A2N4
Monday and Wednesday 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Community Navigator Programs
Volunteer Income Tax Programs
With the Canada Revenue Agency's 2026 tax filing deadline now passed, Community Navigator's volunteer tax preparation services are temporarily paused. If you still need assistance, volunteers from other community organizations may be able to help you complete and file your taxes for free by phone or video conference. Locally, Maple City Financial continues to offer volunteer tax preparation services by appointment. To book, please call 226-996-1669. For a current list of available volunteer tax clinics, please visit the CRA website and use the Find a free tax clinic tool.
Computer Connections
Without internet access and a computer, finding information or a job or applying for other benefits can be extremely challenging. Community Navigators can assist low-income youth or families and qualifying non-profit and charitable organizations with access to refurbished computers at no cost. In partnership with Habitat for Humanity and the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, Community Navigators can provide those most in need with a refurbished computer.
CKConnect Bookable Workspace
The Connect CK bookable workspace located at 435 Grand Ave. W. Chatham can be reserved at no cost for virtual and in-person meetings or appointments for medical care, social services, court services, employment resources, community navigation and more. The room offers both phone and computer access Monday to Friday between 8:30am – 4:00pm for a maximum of 2 hours per day per person. The 2 hour maximum can be extended by request to accommodate appointment needs ie. court.
The room can be booked up to 7 days in advance by contacting Community Navigators at 519-355-1380 or emailing CKCN@chatham-kent.ca.
CK Public Library Quiet Pods
Quiet Pods can be found at the Chatham and Wallaceburg library branches. To book a Quiet Pod contact the Chatham-Kent Public Library at 519-354-2940 or email CKlibrary@chatham-kent.ca.
The Connect CK bookable workspace and Quite Pods have been brought to you in partnership with the Chatham-Kent Ontario Health Team and the Chatham-Kent Public Library.
