Monday, April 28 is the National Day of Mourning to remember and honour those who have died, been injured or suffered illness in the workplace. All HPL Branches will observe a minute of silence at 11am to honour their memories.
Monday, April 28 is Election Day in Canada. Westdale Branch is open 9:30am-9:30pm as a polling station. Please bring one piece of ID to vote. Please note there will be a minute of silence at 11am in honour of the National Day of Mourning.
Due to City IT maintenance, HPL's catalogue and digital resources will not be available on Sunday, April 27 between midnight and 1am. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Extended Access at Freelton Branch is not working. We aim to fix it quickly. Apologies for the inconvenience.
From Monday, May 5 to Saturday, May 31, the Ancaster Branch will be temporarily closed due to a roof and HVAC replacement. During this time, service hours will be available at the Ancaster Rotary Centre, 385 Jerseyville Road West, Ancaster. The last day to pick up your Holds is Thursday, May 1st. Thank you for your understanding.
The digital microfilm machines at Central Library are not working. A single analog machine is available, but it doesn't print. We aim to have the digital devices repaired as soon as possible. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Due to the ongoing roof repair project, noise and parking disruptions will continue until April 25. Thank you for your patience.
The first phase of renovations will begin at the Sherwood Branch from April 10 to May 2. During this time, noise disruptions may occur throughout the branch due to a basement renovation. Parking, access to the building, and collections will not be affected. Thank you for your patience. www.hpl.ca/sherwood
Please be aware of online phishing attempts impersonating Hamilton Public Library and Library Staff. HPL does not solicit paid freelance opportunities through social media or other messaging applications. HPL does not request personal or banking information through social media or require financial compensation when reviewing job applications. Please report phishing schemes to communications@hpl.ca. If you think you are a victim of fraud, please call the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501.
Accessibility Tools
Would assistive technologies make your use of the library more rewarding? In addition to text enlargers at five branches, our computers are equipped with many accessibility features.
Library Accessibility Features
Do you need to know which accessibility features are available at your branch?
- Service animals and service animals in-training are welcome
- Wheelchair accessibility
- Automatic doors at entrances
- Elevators
- Hearing Loop
- Accessible Catalogue Only computers
- Accessible Checkout stations
- Computer workstations are wheelchair accessible
- Headphone accessibility for all Internet workstations
- Magnifying sheets and handheld magnifiers
Aroga Merlin Text Enlarger features brightly lit large screen with adjustable or stationary platform, custom text blocking, use of lines to assist with tracking of text, background colour change options. It is available at the following branches: Central, Red Hill and Dundas.
JAWS is a computer program that reads aloud the contents of documents and web pages and speaks standard computer functions for someone who is visually impaired. Keystrokes are used instead of the mouse. It is available on the 2nd floor of Central Library and is also available at these branch locations: Red Hill. For further information, please call 905-546-3200 ext 3434.
Accessibility Software on Computers
All public computers have a desktop accessibility folder where you can access accessibility services, settings and programs available in Windows, including:
Magnifier: Magnifier is a program that magnifies a portion of your computer screen, making it easier to read.
Narrator: Narrator is a program that reads the text on your screen out loud.
On-Screen Keyboard: On-Screen Keyboard is a program that lets you use your mouse or other devices to interact with a keyboard on the screen.
This information is adapted from the Microsoft Windows website.