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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Library Spaces and Room Rentals
Meeting room rentals at HPL are on pause. We are prioritizing our Library spaces to offer free programming to the community.
Room Rentals at HPL
Hamilton Public Library offers a variety of spaces to meet, work and study. Select meeting rooms are available for rental when not reserved for library business.
After Library programming is scheduled, priority for room reservations is given to City and community partners with civic, educational, and cultural goals. Please read our Working with Us Policy to learn about room booking guidelines, fees, and library partnerships.
Types of Rooms
Study Rooms
Study rooms are available in two-hour blocks on a first-come, first-served basis and are free of charge. Rooms close 15 minutes before the branch. Members can now reserve Study Rooms online at Terryberry and Turner Park Branches. For more information, or to make a reservation at another branch, please call, email or chat with Staff or visit a branch.
Study Room Guidelines:
- Rooms are available for individuals or groups for up to two hour a day on a first-booked, first-served basis.
- A group or individual can only reserve one block of time a day.
- Study rooms can be reserved up to two weeks in advance through staff or online, and will be held for 10 minutes only.
- To use a room that you have booked, visit the desk and show your library card or photo identification to staff.
- Staff will unlock the room for you.
- If no one else has the room booked after you, you may stay until the next person needs it.
- Study rooms close 15 minutes before the branch closes.
Privacy On-Demand Spaces (PODS)
HPL offers single-occupancy and four-person PODs to study, work and meet at Central Library’s first and second floors.
PODs provide a sound-proof work environment with chairs, work surfaces, Wi-Fi connection and USB/power outlets.
PODs are currently available on a first-come, first-serve basis. To make a reservation please call, email or chat with Staff, visit a Branch or book online.
POD Guidelines:
- Members require a valid HPL library card to reserve either of the two PODs.
- PODs can be booked for two (2) hour sessions, with two 30-minute extensions if available, once a day. See HPL Staff to extend your time.
- PODs can be booked up to two (2) weeks in advance and will be held for 10 minutes only.
- In the PODs, only drinks and snacks are allowed, but hot meals are not permitted. Please be courteous and keep the spaces tidy.
Piano Practice Room
Central Library’s 2nd Floor Piano Room offers a quiet space for practice.
One-hour sessions are available during open hours, except for the last booking of the day, which is 45 minutes. To make a reservation up to two weeks in advance, please call, email or chat with Staff.
Updated June 2025