The Guelph Public Library is offering a new service for people needing to access the legal system during the pandemic: they can now attend a virtual court session from the library.

The library has partnered with Legal Aid Ontario and the John Howard Society of Waterloo-Wellington to offer court tablets for people who don't otherwise have access to a computer, phone or the internet.

"This is an example of how the library supports those in the community with little or no access to technology and the internet," said Steven Kraft, CEO of the Guelph Public Library, in a media release.

The courts have transitioned a number of proceedings to virtual formats after closures began in March. In Ontario, video-conferencing feeds are now being used to conduct non-jury trials, some bail applications and to set dates for trials. The Supreme Court of Canada has made similar changes.

Those using the service don't need to have a library card, but will be asked to provide some form of collateral, like an ID card, to borrow the court tablet.

People can borrow a court tablet at the library's main branch at 100 Norfolk St.