Sherwood Branch Public Computer Service Disruption

The computer lab on the 1st floor at the Sherwood Branch is currently out of order. There are limited public computers available on the 2nd floor. Printing and photocopying is still available. We are working to resolve as soon as possible.

Published:
Friday, June 6, 2025 - 10:00am
Sunday Hours - Modified Service, June 22

Due to day-long IT maintenance (7am-5pm), the following branches are closed on Sunday, June 22: Central Library, Dundas, Red Hill, Terryberry, Turner Park, Valley Park and Waterdown. Sunday service hours resume on Sunday, June 29. 

Please note that the HPL catalogue, Library accounts, and online resources will not be available during this time frame. We apologize for the inconvenience.

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Published:
Wednesday, June 4, 2025 - 3:00pm
Westdale Branch - Delayed Opening

Due to Staff training, the Westdale Branch will open at 10am on Monday, June 16. You may visit Central Library and the Dundas Branch as your next nearest locations for your library needs. Thank you for your patience.

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Published:
Tuesday, June 3, 2025 - 2:15pm
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.

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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
Sherwood Branch - Temporary Closure

As the 1st floor renovation wraps up, the Sherwood Branch will be closed on Thursday, June 5, to reset the spaces. Service hours will resume on Friday, June 6. Thank you for your patience.

Published:
Thursday, May 29, 2025 - 11:00am
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.

Published:
Friday, May 23, 2025 - 4:30pm
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
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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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.