Central Library - 4th Floor Closure
The 4th Floor is closed this Saturday, March 8 for a Tax Preparation Clinic. Makerspace and Newcomer Learning Centre will remain open. Study spaces are available on Floors 1-3.
Spring Forward - Sunday, March 9
Daylight Saving Time begins on Sunday, March 9 at 2 am. Move your clocks one hour ahead before you head to bed. It's also a good time to check and/or replace the batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
Turner Park Branch - Large Format Printer Unavailable
The large format printer at Turner Park is currently unavailable. Please utilize our other Makerspace locations if needed. We will advise once it is restored to service.
Roadwork near Barton Branch
Starting Monday March 17, the City of Hamilton begins roadwork on Wilson Street and Sherman Avenue. The construction will be completed in stages until December 2025. There may be traffic delays if you are planning to visit the Barton Branch.
Borrowing
What do I need to borrow material?
To borrow library materials, you will need your library card number and your PIN. A PIN is assigned when you register for a card.
You can change this PIN at any time, through your My HPL library account or at any library branch. Please make sure you bring identification when you wish to make changes to your account in person.
How long can I borrow material?
The loan period for most circulating items is 21 days with following exceptions:
- Express DVDs –7 days
- Magazines –7 days (adult and children's, non-renewable)
- Park Passes –7 days
- Book Club Kits –42 days
- VLS members’ loan period –120 days
When you check out materials you will receive a receipt with the due date for the items you have borrowed. A receipt can also be emailed to you. You can also check MyHPL for due dates.
Borrowing Limits
For more information about library cards, see Types of Library cards.
Renewals
Items that are eligible for renewal will automatically be renewed on the due date up to three (3) times following initial checkout. Members with email notification will receive an email informing them of which items have been renewed and which items will be due.
The following items are not eligible for renewal:
- Items requested by another member
- Magazines
- DVD Express
- Bestseller Express
Renewal of Interlibrary loan materials is subject to the guidelines of the lending library.
Reserves/Holds
Members may reserve an item to be picked up at a preferred location. This is referred to as placing an item on “hold.” Upon notification that a reserve is available, members have 7 open days to pick up the item. The following physical items cannot be reserved:
- Magazines
- DVD Express
- Bestseller Express
Returns
Items borrowed from the Hamilton Public Library need to be returned to an HPL location. Drop boxes are available for the return of items when the location is closed. If a Hamilton Public Library item is returned to another library system in error, the card holder is responsible for all fees and associated charges. Certain items may need to be returned during open hours.
Suspension of Borrowing Privileges
Borrowing privileges are suspended when members have overdue materials over the threshold limit. Suspensions only apply to physical borrowing; digital collections and resources remain accessible.
Partnerships
HPL cardholders can also borrow materials from Burlington Public Library. Read more about this partnership at More to Borrow | HPL
Through OverDrive/Libby HPL cardholders can access eBooks and eAudiobooks at Burlington, Ottawa, London, Milton (February 26, 2025), Kingston and Mississauga libraries. Read more information about this partnership at hpl.ca/More-to-Borrow.
