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.
Let’s Get Real-ish with Augmented Reality, Hamilton
HAMILTON, ON – AUGUST 13, 2021 – Hey Hamilton. Now that this city is 175 years old, we want to show you how to explore its past, present and future with Augmented Reality. Check out ExperienceCommons.ca and on Saturday Aug 14, 11am-3pm, visit HPL’s Locke Branch for a live demonstration and then take a self-guided tour in Hamilton’s Victoria Park.
Coined AR for short, it’s a way to see the world around you with images of what isn’t there. Make sense? If not, we can show you how easy it is to explore with a simple, handheld device such as a smartphone or tablet. If you already know about AR, we can help you expand your digital skills and add to the fun.
Together with Hamilton Public Library, Hamilton Civic Museums and Hamilton Parks & Recreation, we’ve created a series of local landmarks and intriguing artifacts to play with and experiment as you learn about AR.
Want to explore the Crystal Palace as it once stood in Victoria Park in 1860? Can do with AR. Remember the Birks Clock that once hung at King and James streets and now keeps time in Hamilton Farmers’ Market? You can project its image and watch the hourly joust in your living room. How about a virtual, in-depth visit to the heritage home of early Black settlers Enerals and Priscilla Griffin? You can do that too with AR.
As you build your skills, you can create scans and share them with other AR fans to create and recreate a new reality. In addition to complete Crystal Palace, Birks Clock and Griffin House National Historic Site Experiences, ready-to-play scans include:
- Hamilton Street Art (Graffiti Wall)
- The Green Lantern at High Level Bridge on York Boulevard
- The Burlington Canal Light Station
- The Cockpit Theatre Museum at Dundurn Castle
- The Hermitage Gatehouse Museum Ruins
Go to ExperienceCommons.ca to learn more, experience and share.
“The ability to see and explore many of Hamilton’s historical sites using Augmented Reality (AR) is an exciting use of new technology for our city. This innovative and interactive way to experience Hamilton provides a chance for our community to learn more about our rich 175-year history,” said Mayor Fred Eisenberger.
“Hamiltonians can now cheer on the Birks Clock jousters in their living room or explore a long-lost Palace in a City park. The Experience Commons project really combines technology with the past, present and future of our region. From long-lost buildings to everyday objects, the power is in the device in your hands,” says Paul Takala, CEO and Chief Librarian of Hamilton Public Library. “HPL has programs and a full slate of how-to information on our newly launched ExperienceCommons.ca site."