Bookmobile Service Cancellations

The following Bookmobile visits are cancelled this month. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Wednesday, May 14: Swansea and Helen Detwiler

Thursday, May 15: Rockton and Meadowlands

Mohawk Gardens, 2-2:30 pm instead

Bennetto, 4:30-5:30 pm instead

Friday, May 16: Huntington Park

Friday, May 30: Huntington Park, Winona, and Maplewood

Published:
Friday, May 9, 2025 - 8:00am
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.

Published:
Thursday, May 8, 2025 - 12:00pm
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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Affected Branch: Central Library
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.

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.

www.hpl.ca/ancaster

1
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.

1
Affected Branch: Central Library
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

Local History and Archives Policy

Access to Local History and Archive Collections 

Due to the rare and fragile nature of the Local History and Archives collections, access to collections housed in the Local History and Archives Department is limited to persons consulting archival material and carrying out their research in the Local History and Archives department. Within the department, staff are on hand to provide assistance and proper supervision to ensure the safe care and handling of materials. 

Members will be required to show identification and register for an archives card prior to viewing materials. 

Physical access to collections housed in the Local History and Archives Department is limited to members 14 years of age and older. Users under 14 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian unless other arrangements have been made and authorized by the Manager, Local History and Archives.  

We utilize recognized international and national archival, digitization and metadata standards to support physical and digital access to Local History and Archives collections and materials. In alignment with Library Board policy, we support the use of Creative Commons Licenses and the principle of open access with regard to digitization initiatives while upholding the terms of existing donor agreements, copyright and applicable law and legislation. 

Barring the extent and terms of any restrictions, the legal rights and/or requests of the donor to place the records in the Archives, no person shall be prevented from using archival materials unless it is determined that the materials will be physically abused or used in a libelous or illegal manner. 

The Library retains the right to charge for any reproduction or other research service as per the Library Board’s Service Fees Policy

Materials from the Local History and Archives collection may be loaned to other institutions or organizations only under the following circumstances: 

  • Written authorization is obtained from the Manager, Local History and Archives (or designate). 

  • The Archivist provides written documentation for the loan. 

  • The borrower ensures adequate care and handling of the material on loan. If at any time Local History and Archives determines that the material on loan is not being cared for adequately, the Manager, Local History and Archives (or designate) may cancel the loan and request the immediate return of the material.