All HPL Branches are closed on Sunday, May 18, and Victoria Day, Monday, May 19. Bookmobile is off the road. Extended Access and Study Hall services are not available. Our Virtual Branch is open at hpl.ca.
On Tuesday, May 13, a fire drill will be held at 11 am at Central Library. You may visit the Barton or Locke Branches as alternate locations for your library needs. Thank you for your understanding.
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.
From Monday, May 5 to Saturday, May 31, the Ancaster Branch will be temporarily closed due to a roof and HVAC replacement. During this time, service hours will be available at the Ancaster Rotary Centre, 385 Jerseyville Road West, Ancaster. The last day to pick up your Holds is Thursday, May 1st. Thank you for your understanding.
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.
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
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.

Mission Statement and Values
Mission Statement
Freedom to Belong and Discover
Vision Statement
A vibrant and welcoming community place where people learn, connect, share and discover.
Values
Accountability
Ensuring services remain relevant and that resources are managed effectively and transparently. We listen to the community and we communicate our rationale for decisions.
Inclusion
Creating trusted services and spaces that welcome and value everyone. We celebrate the varied cultures and histories of Hamiltonians. Equity informs our program design, so we can create fairer access to opportunities and help build a more just society.
Innovation
Anticipating and responding to changing needs and technology by continually adapting our work to remain relevant. We meet new challenges by gradually shifting resources to build capacity in areas of growing need. We are a leader in integrating sustainability into our planning and actions.
Intellectual Freedom
Providing free access to a wide range of ideas and artistic expressions. Ensuring residents have appropriate digital access and skills to flourish in the current economy and society. We nurture conversations that enhance mutual understanding and learning.
Respect
Supporting the value and dignity of all individuals. We work to support residents in overcoming the legacies of colonization, racism and other forms of discrimination.
Truth and Reconciliation Land Acknowledgement
The City of Hamilton is situated upon the traditional territories of the Erie, Neutral, Huron-Wendat, Haudenosaunee and Mississaugas. This land is covered by the Dish With One Spoon Wampum Belt Covenant, which was an agreement between the Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabek to share and care for the resources around the Great Lakes. We further acknowledge that this land is covered by the Between the Lakes Purchase, 1792, between the Crown and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. Today, the City of Hamilton is home to many Indigenous people from across Turtle Island (North America) and we recognize that we must do more to learn about the rich history of this land, so that we can better understand our roles as residents, neighbours, partners and caretakers.