Early Closure - All HPL Branches, Friday, November 22
Due to a special event, all HPL branches will close at 4 pm on Friday, November 22.
Central Library's 4th Floor will be closed all day except for the Newcomer Learning Centre and Makerspace which will be open until 4 pm.
Regular service hours resume on Saturday, November 23.
Thank you for your understanding.
Delayed Branch Openings
Due to Staff training, the following branches have delayed openings of 10 am on:
Monday, November 18: Westdale
Tuesday, November 19: Concession
Wednesday, November 20: Ancaster and Mount Hope (2 pm opening)
Thursday, November 21: Valley Park
Please visit nearby branches for your library needs. www.hpl.ca/hours
Barton Branch Accessible Washroom Out of Order
The accessible washroom at Barton Branch is currently out of order. We are working to restore access. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Central Library - Newcomer Learning Centre, Temporary Closure
From Wednesday, November 13 to Friday, November 15, the Newcomer Learning Centre will be closed due to off-site Staff training. The Centre will reopen on Monday, November 18.
Kenilworth Branch - Roof Repairs
From November 11 to 29, the parking lot may not be available at certain times of the day due to repair maintenance. There may also be some noise disruptions in the branch. Thank you for your understanding.
Ending support for OverDrive's desktop apps and website MP3 downloads
On November 13, 2024, the MP3 audiobook format will be retired from HPL's OverDrive website and support for OverDrive's desktop apps for Windows and Mac (which only work with MP3 audiobooks) will not be available.
After this change, you can listen to audiobooks using the following options:
- In Libby (available for Android, iOS, or Amazon Fire devices or at libbyapp.com in a web browser)
- On HPL's OverDrive website using the Listen now in browser option
- In the OverDrive app (only available in select countries)
Service Fees
For full Service Fees information, see the Service Fees Policy.
Is the Library no longer issuing fines?
The Hamilton Public Library is not charging fines for its materials as of May 2021. This ensures access to the library without fear of fines and supports the community.
What about fines accumulated before the Library went fine-free?
All fines were cleared from Members’ Library accounts. It’s a fresh start for everyone.
What about fees for lost or damaged items?
In August 2020, all Member Library accounts were given a fresh start. Lost or damaged Digital equipment or Interlibrary Loans after the fresh start will be charged a fee.
I want to borrow Library materials, but I have large fines on my account, what can I do?
All fines were wiped from Members’ accounts. See the Borrowing Policy for more information.
My account is blocked, can you tell me why?
Accounts may be blocked for several reasons: an incorrect address or phone number, the borrowing limit is reached, material is missing (ex. a disc from a CD set). To discuss why your account is blocked, please contact us. Digital resources continue to be available.
I have a lost or damaged item ‑ will I be billed for it?
The Library collects fees for digital equipment or Interlibrary loans. The Library has waived fees for lost or damaged Collection items. Please return your item to the closest branch and chat with staff.
How can the Library afford go fines free? Who is paying for this?
The amount collected by service fees declines annually and takes a lot of staff time. HPL now offers a pay-it-forward donor fund to support programming, collections and more.
I would like to pay for an item that is damaged or lost, can I do this?
Yes. Please donate or contact HPL to contribute to the Library’s programs and services.
How else can I help the Library?
There are several ways you can help HPL:
- Volunteer opportunities
- Giving opportunities
- You can Pay it Forward and help others
What does HPL do with the donations?
The Pay-It-Forward Fund support materials purchases, programming and quality learning resources.
There are four areas donors can direct their contributions:
- Most Needed Use
- Kids’ Learning Fund
- Fines Forgiveness
- Local History & Archives Collections
Are tax receipts offered?
Tax receipts for donations made in person are issued for all donations of $25 or more, upon request. Donations made online at hpl.ca for $3 or more are issued a tax receipt by Canada Helps.