Extended Access at Freelton Branch is not working. We aim to fix it quickly. Apologies for the inconvenience.
Study Halls are taking a summer break after Thursday, June 26. The service will resume in early September.
www.hpl.ca/study-halls
The computer lab on the 1st floor is currently out of order. There are limited public computers available on the 2nd floor. Printing and photocopying are still available. We apologize for the inconvenience.
The accessible washroom at Carlisle Branch is not working. We aim to get it fixed quickly.
The following branches will be closed on Sunday June 22nd: Dundas, Red Hill, Terryberry, Turner Park, Valley Park, and Waterdown.
Central Library will remain open as a Cool Place from 12-5 pm, with limited service on the 1st floor only.
Regular Sunday hours resume June 29.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Steel Town Love - A Festival for Romance Readers and Writers
Saturday July 12
11am-4pm
Central Library
Hamilton's first festival dedicated to romance novels and the people who love them.
Join other romance book enthusiasts at Hamilton Public Library for a day of swoon-worthy events, including author talks, signings, workshops, a vendor market and more.
Register for your all-day pass.
Festival Activities
Reader's Lounge at the Hamilton Farmer's Market
11am - 2pm
Farmer’s Market
Take a break between author panels, browsing and our Meet Cute Market to chill out in our reader's lounge. Head to the Hamilton Farmers' Market to relax, read romance stories, colour, make buttons and chat.
The Meet-Cute Market
11am – 3pm
1st Floor Living Room
A curated market for romance readers to shop to their heart's delight.
Green Screen Fun - Star in Your Own Romance Book Cover
11am – 3pm
4th Floor Makerspace
Be the star in your own romance book cover using our green screen technology.
Cricut Design Space
11am – 3pm
4th Floor Makerspace
Create romance-themed crafts using the Cricut.
Epic Books will be selling books at the event on the fourth floor.
Workshops and Author Talks
Writing Workshop: Farah Heron, Tropes and Vibes to Story and Plot
11am – Noon
1st Floor Wentworth Room
A short-fiction workshop by Farah Heron, author of romance novels Accidentally Engaged, Just Playing House and The Chai Factor.
Registration Required
Author Talk: Uzma Jalaluddin in conversation with Farah Heron
1pm – 2pm
4th Floor
The romance authors take readers behind the curtain of the genre they love, to discuss tropes, identities, book boyfriends and cross-genre writing.
Author Panel: Jackie Lau, Kate Robb and Ellie K. Wilde
2pm – 3pm
4th Floor
A discussion about the rise of the romance genre, favourite tropes to write about and how living in the GTA influences their books. Moderated by Jenn Houser aka @burlingtonbiblio.
Author Signings
3pm – 4pm
4th Floor
Mix and mingle with local romance authors, purchase a copy of their book, and get it autographed.
Warmup Events
Whet your appetite with meetups and book clubs leading up to the big event.
Explore Our Romance Novel Collection
Find your next literary crush with HPL’s romance booklist.