The HPL App and HPL Catalogue are not working. We aim to fix it quickly. Thank you for your patience.
HPLApp and HPL Catalogue are Unavailable
All Branches and Bookmobile Stops
Published:
Monday, July 14, 2025 - 1:00pm
Heat Warning Notification for the City of Hamilton
Heat Warning for the City of Hamilton.
Significant heat and humidity will arrive on Friday July 11. Heat Warnings stay in effect until they are cancelled or escalated to an Extended Heat Warning.
For information about heat-related illnesses, cool place locations and reducing your risk, visit hamilton.ca.
All Branches and Bookmobile Stops
Published:
Friday, July 11, 2025 - 11:00am
Concession Branch Accessible Parking Spot not available
Accessible Parking Spot not available. We are working to resolve the issue as soon as possible.
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Published:
Friday, July 11, 2025 - 10:15am
Locke Branch - Filming
Filming will take place near the Locke Branch from July 13 to 16, which will impact traffic flow and parking. We apologize for the inconvenience.
- North side of Homewood Avenue between Lockes Street South and Kent Street
- North/South side of Stanley Avenue
- East side of Kent Street between Stanley Avenue and Homewood Avenue
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Published:
Friday, July 11, 2025 - 8:00am
Terryberry Branch Elevator Out of Order
The parking lot elevator at Terryberry Branch is not working. Members will need to use the accessible ramp at the Mohawk entrance and the inner elevator. We're working to get it fixed quickly.
1
Published:
Saturday, May 31, 2025 - 1:00pm
Public Computers - Audio Volume
Please note that the audio volume levels on our public computers are having issues. The estimated time of disruption is unknown at this time. Thank you for your patience.
All Branches and Bookmobile Stops
Published:
Thursday, May 29, 2025 - 4:00pm
Mount Hope Branch Accessibile Ramp Not Available
The accessibility ramp at Mount Hope Branch is damaged. The handrail is not available. The ramp will not be available while being repaired. We aim to fix it quickly.
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Published:
Friday, May 23, 2025 - 4:30pm
The History of the Bookmobile
HPL staff, including Chief Librarian Freda Waldon, with the Travelling Branch on December 4, 1956
Mayor Lloyd D. Jackson and Freda Waldon, Chief Librarian with the HPL Schools Branch on April 15, 1961
Our library on wheels is a very special and unique part of HPL’s public services, allowing us to go beyond the brick and mortar and connect with our many communities in the city of Hamilton.
The first time there was a mention of having a travelling branch for the Hamilton Public Library was in an article in Globe & Mail dated November 16, 1949. Then Chief Librarian Freda Waldon mentioned the idea of having a travelling branch whose chief function was to serve outlying areas beyond a one mile radius from existing library branches. It wasn’t until May 7, 1954 that talks of a possible bookmobile was discussed in city council.
Two years later, on December 20, 1956, the first bookmobile rolled onto the streets of Hamilton.
In a Hamilton Spectator article dated January 5, 1957, they talked about how the five stops of the Bookmobile were very popular among children, citing an example of one boy who went back five times, each time bringing someone with him and encouraging them to register for a library card. Another proof of the Bookmobile’s popularity was its February 1957 circulation exceeding that of the Main Library’s circulation.
Now, the Hamilton Public Library has two bookmobiles and services 12 neighbourhood stops and 25 senior residences. For 2014, the Bookmobile’s circulation was at around 123,000. Since October 1973, our bookmobiles have also offered movies in its collection.
The Bookmobile will continue to serve communities that do not have a library branch in their vicinity and provide materials for seniors who cannot travel far anymore. Our friendly staff will surely provide a personalized service and find the perfect material for you.
Find a Bookmobile stop near you!
Children visiting the HPL Schools Branch circa 1950s
