Barton Branch - Temporary Closure
As of Tuesday, March 18 at noon, the Barton Branch is temporarily closed until further notice due to roof repairs. Stay tuned for its reopening date. Please visit Central Library and Kenilworth Branch as the next nearest locations for your library needs. We apologize for the inconvenience. Stay tuned for its reopening date.
Turner Park - Roof Repairs
From March 26 until June 30, the Turner Park Branch will undergo a roof repair. There may be parking lot and noise disruptions. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Central Library - 4th Floor Temporary Closure
The Blk Owned Vendor Market is running on the 4th Floor of Central Library on Saturday, March 22, If you are looking for study spaces, use Floors 1-3. The 4th Floor Makerspace and Newcomer Learning Centre are open.
Concession Branch - Photocopying and Scanning Temporarily Not Available
As of Thursday, March 13th photocopying and scanning are temporarily not available at the Concession Branch. The estimated time of disruption is unknown. Thank you for your patience.
Mount Hope Branch - Photocopying and Scanning Temporarily Not Available
As of Tuesday, March 18, photocopying and scanning are temporarily not available at the Mount Hope Branch. The estimated time of disruption is unknown. Thank you for your patience.
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.
Learn English
The Newcomer Learning Centre is on the 4th Floor of Central Library.
It has books, CDs and DVDs for Learners and Tutors.
Anyone with a HPL card can borrow Newcomer Learning Centre materials.
To speak with Staff, call 905-546-3444 or email nlc@hpl.ca.
Newcomer Learning Centre Desk Hours:
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 10am-4pm
Friday 10am-1pm
Select Saturdays.
Newcomer Learning Centre Programs
Proof of Permanent Residency or a Protected Person status is requested in advance of participating in any Newcomer Learning Centre program.
English Tutoring:
Practise English with a tutor in-person, online or both. Meet twice a week for one to two hours. To join, complete the English Tutoring Request Form.
To volunteer with Newcomers to Canada, please complete our Volunteer English Tutor Application.
English for Seniors Online or In-Person:
Learn English with other seniors age 55 and older, in a small class.
Online classes are Mondays and Wednesdays, 9:30-10:30am.
In-person classes are Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:30 to 10:30am.
Newcomer Book Club:
Chat about a book, learn new vocabulary and meet friends. Offered four times per year.
Human Library for Newcomers:
Learn about the life journeys of others in Canada and about Canadian culture through short conversations with a settled immigrant or long-time Canadian. Offered twice per year.
In-Person Conversation Circles:
Practise English in-person, in a group setting. Topics are tailored to the needs of students. Conversation Circles meet Thursdays 3:30-4:30pm.
Information Sessions:
Information sessions are hosted throughout the year. Themes include employment, credential evaluation, volunteering, employee/tenant rights and more. Ten sessions offered per year.
Visit Newcomers Events for more information.
Language Assessment and Settlement Services
English language assessment and settlement services are available at:
French language assessment is available at:
- Language Assessment Services - Peel Halton Dufferin - Achēv (achev.ca)
- Collège Boréal (collegeboreal.ca)
French Integration and Settlement Services are available at:
- Centre de santé communautaire Hamilton/Niagara: https://www.cschn.ca/services-aux-nouveaux-arrivants/
- Additional newcomer supports in Hamilton can be found through the Hamilton Immigration Partnership Council (HIPC) at: https://newcomersinhamilton.ca/
Videos
