The accessible washroom in both the Waterdown library and the lobby of the Waterdown shared facility are out of order. We aim to get it fixed quickly.
Waterdown Branch Accessibile Washroom Out of Order
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Published:
Thursday, May 8, 2025 - 6:45pm
Sherwood Branch Closure: Wednesday, May 14
In preparation for the 1st Floor renovations, the Sherwood Branch will be closed on Wednesday, May 14. It is expected to reopen on Thursday, May 15 with the completion of the basement renovation. Thank you for your understanding.
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Published:
Thursday, May 8, 2025 - 12:00pm
Study Hall, Thursday, May 8
Due to City IT maintenance, there may be an intermittent network outage between 8-10 pm during Study Hall on Thursday, May 8. Computers, printers and WiFi may not be available at times. Thank you for your patience.
All Branches and Bookmobile Stops
Published:
Wednesday, May 7, 2025 - 4:00pm
All Branches Closed - Victoria Day
All HPL Branches are closed on Sunday, May 18, and Victoria Day, Monday, May 19. Bookmobile is off the road. Extended Access and Study Hall services are not available. Our Virtual Branch is open at hpl.ca.
All Branches and Bookmobile Stops
Published:
Thursday, May 1, 2025 - 9:30am
Central Library - Fire Drill
On Tuesday, May 13, a fire drill will be held at 11 am at Central Library. You may visit the Barton or Locke Branches as alternate locations for your library needs. Thank you for your understanding.
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Published:
Wednesday, April 30, 2025 - 1:30pm
Turner Park Branch - Roof Repair
Due to the ongoing roof repair project, noise and parking disruptions are expected to continue until the end of June. Thank you for your patience.
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Published:
Monday, April 28, 2025 - 10:00am
Ancaster Branch - Temporary Closure, May 5-31
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.
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Published:
Wednesday, April 16, 2025 - 11:00am
Central Library - Microfilm Machine
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.
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Published:
Thursday, April 10, 2025 - 3:30pm
Phishing Scheme
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.
All Branches and Bookmobile Stops
Published:
Thursday, April 3, 2025 - 10:30am
Sherwood Branch - Basement Renovation
The first phase of renovations continues at the Sherwood Branch. 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
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Published:
Thursday, April 3, 2025 - 10:15am
Donations, Sponsorship and Fundraising Policy
Donations
Cash Donations
Gifts of cash are accepted and are used to enhance the services of the library system.
The Library reserves the right to use undesignated donations in the best interest of the Library, and shall make decisions regarding the investment, disposition and/or eventual disposal of all donations.
Both designated and undesignated donations are welcomed. For designated donations, the Library will direct the donation to a specific purpose as outlined by the donor.
Unless otherwise specified by the donor, cash donations received during the year are to be transferred to a Donations Reserve. Use of funds in the Reserve requires Board approval before being spent.
The Board will be informed of individual cash donations of $25,000 or more. Staff will advise the Board of such donations and bring forward a recommendation for use of the funds such as transfer to the Donations Reserve or use for a specific purpose.
Acceptance and handling of cash donations shall adhere to the Library’s Cash Handling Policy.
Donations can be made as follows:
- Online through HPL.ca-Donate Now
- By contacting HPL’s financial services office as follows:
- By phone: 905-546-3200 x3239
- By email: businessoffice@hpl.ca
- In person/ in writing: 55 York Blvd Hamilton, ON L8N 4E4
CanadaHelps.org
CanadaHelps is a non-profit organization (www.canadahelps.org/en/). It facilitates online donations for charities, including the Hamilton Public Library. In return, CanadaHelps retains a small percentage of each online donation to support their efforts. HPL’s website connects securely to this site via HPL.ca-Donate Now
Endowment Funds
The Library has a long-standing partnership with the Hamilton Community Foundation (HCF) in managing its endowment funds. Endowments are gratefully accepted and directed by the Library to the HCF (hamiltoncommunityfoundation.ca).
Endowment funds are administered and managed by the HCF on behalf of the Library. The principal is used to generate income which is available for Library use. The Library Board approves the expenditures consistent with the specifications of the funds.
Donors of $25,000 or more may name a fund and choose to direct the donation to a specific field of interest in consultation with the Library Board.
Those interested in making an endowment contribution are encouraged to contact the Library. Library staff will work together with the donor or the donor’s lawyer, accountant, life insurance agent, or financial planner to establish which type of donation best meets the donor’s goals.
Both the Library and the HCF recognize all donations to endowment funds. Donors of named funds are recognized in the Hamilton Community Foundation’s Annual Report each year. The wishes of any donors wanting to remain anonymous will be respected.
Gifts In-Kind
Gifts in-kind, also known as non-cash gifts, are gifts of property. They cover items such as artwork, equipment, securities, and cultural and ecological property.
A contribution of service, that is, of time, skills or efforts, is not property and, therefore, does not qualify as a gift or gift in-kind for purposes of issuing official donation receipts. CRA charities giving & glossary
Art
The Library accepts artwork of historic/documentary value related to the history of the City of Hamilton as appropriate and as described in its Collections Policy.
- The Library does not act as a repository of the works of local artists or of portraits of local persons.
- The Library does not actively collect, seek or accept unsolicited donations or purchase art for decorative, artistic or commemorative purposes. The Library may commission art for a new or existing building.
- The Library Board reserves the right to refuse to accept any artwork considered by it to be inappropriate and/or unsuitable for a library environment.
Valuable Papers/Collections
The Library accepts gifts of papers/collections of historic/documentary value related to the history of the City of Hamilton as determined by its Local History & Archives Policy
Non-cash Gifts
Gifts of securities are welcomed and are directed to the Library’s trust funds managed by the Hamilton Community Foundation.
Property
Gifts of property, real estate and tangible property are administered through the Library’s Financial Services Office.
Deferred Gifts including Bequests/Life Insurance
A deferred gift is arranged now but is not available for use by the Library until some future time, usually after the death of the donor. With a deferred gift, a portion or all of a donor’s assets may be designated by bequest to benefit the Library. Such gifts may be made by Will or beneficiary designation. Persons interested in making deferred gifts are encouraged to contact the Library’s Financial Services Office.
