All Branches Closed for Good Friday

All branches closed on Friday, April 18, 2025 for Good Friday. This includes branches with Extended Access.

All Branches and Bookmobile Stops
Published:
Friday, April 11, 2025 - 10:15am
All Branches Closed for Easter Sunday

All branches closed on Sunday, April 20, 2025 for Easter Sunday. This includes branches with Extended Access.

All Branches and Bookmobile Stops
Published:
Friday, April 11, 2025 - 10:15am
All Branches Closed for Easter Monday

All branches closed on Monday, April 21, 2025 for Easter Monday. This includes branches with Extended Access.

All Branches and Bookmobile Stops
Published:
Friday, April 11, 2025 - 10:15am
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
Barton Branch - Roof Repair

Due to the ongoing roof repair project, noise and parking disruptions will continue until April 25. Thank you for your patience.

Published:
Tuesday, April 8, 2025 - 3:30pm
Sherwood Branch - Basement Renovation

The first phase of renovations will begin at the Sherwood Branch from April 10 to May 2. During this time, noise disruptions may occur throughout the branch due to a basement renovation. Parking, access to the building, and collections will not be affected. Thank you for your patience. www.hpl.ca/sherwood

Published:
Monday, April 7, 2025 - 8:30am
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

Central Library

Open Hours: 
Sun: Closed

Mon: Closed

Tue: 8:00 am-8:00 pm

Wed: 8:00 am-8:00 pm

Thu: 8:00 am-8:00 pm

Fri: Closed

Sat: 8:00 am-5:00 pm

Note: Public computers shut down 15 minutes and Makerspaces close 30 minutes before the branch closes.
Study Hall Hours*: 
Sunday: Closed

Monday: Closed

Tuesday: 8:00 pm-12:00 am

Wednesday: 8:00 pm-12:00 am

Thursday: 8:00 pm-12:00 am

Friday: Closed

Saturday: Closed

Address:
55 York Boulevard
L8N 4E4 Hamilton, ON
Google Map
AskHPL: 
Bus Routes: 
Any bus that stops at the MacNab Street Terminal and/or at King & James St
Branch Manager: 
Sarah Gauthier, Allison Stockton-Aird
Branch Features: 
Book Return
Wheelchair Accessible
French Collection
Bike Rack
Self-Serve Lamination
Black and White and Colour Copying
Scan to USB and Email
Accessible Features: 
Accessible Counter
Accessible Washroom
Automatic Door Opener
Accessible Ramp
Accessible Interview Space
Elevator
Family Change Room

*Between 8:00 am and 9:00 am, only the Library’s First Floor is open.

The first Hamilton Public Library building opened on September 16, 1890 by the Earl and Countess of Aberdeen on the north side of Main Street West. In 1913, a new main library opened. This building was replaced in 1980 by Central Library, at the current location on York Boulevard.

In 2010, Central Library re-opened after approximately 18 months of renovations. Central Library opened with a newly revitalized first floor, which includes a Community Living Room that takes advantage of natural light. The Ontario Library Association honoured Central in 2012 with an Architectural and Design Transformation award. 

The Central Library also has The Seed Library. The Seed Library is provided in partnership with the Hamilton Seed Library. Its lending process is very simple, visit the branch, pick the seeds that you would like to take and fill out the log sheet. There are no limits to how much you can take, all that is requested is that everyone respect that this is a community resource and that they only take a reasonable amount.

Central Library offers materials and programming for children, teens and adults. The Library also has dedicated spaces and program rooms for children, teens and adults.

Visit the Newcomer Learning Centre on the 4th Floor for English language learning resources, programs and services.

The Local History & Archives (LH&A) Department has been collecting and preserving Hamilton's history since 1914. LHA is located on the 3rd Floor.

Central Library is located at 55 York Blvd, Hamilton, ON L8R 3K1.

Directions From Toronto:

Take Highway 401 to Highway 403.
Exit at York Boulevard.
Follow York Boulevard past Bay Street and FirstOntario Centre.
Library is on the right-hand side.

From Niagara Falls:

Take QEW Westbound to Highway 403, Hamilton
Exit at York Boulevard.
Follow York Boulevard past Bay Street and FirstOntario Centre.
Library is on the right-hand side.

From Brantford:

Take Highway 403 to Hamilton.
Exit at Main Street East.
Follow Main Street to Bay Street.
Turn left onto Bay Street.
Follow Bay Street to York Boulevard and turn right past FirstOntario Centre
Library is on the right-hand side.

Parking

Public parking lots are located in the immediate vicinity.

* For Couriers and Deliveries: The physical address of Central Library is 55 York Blvd, Hamilton, ON L8R 3K1