Waterdown Branch Accessibile Washroom Out of Order

The accessible washroom in both the Waterdown library and the lobby of the Waterdown shared facility are out of order. We aim to get it fixed quickly.

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Published:
Thursday, May 8, 2025 - 6:45pm
Sherwood Branch Closure: Wednesday, May 14

In preparation for the 1st Floor renovations, the Sherwood Branch will be closed on Wednesday, May 14. It is expected to reopen on Thursday, May 15 with the completion of the basement renovation. Thank you for your understanding.

Published:
Thursday, May 8, 2025 - 12:00pm
Study Hall, Thursday, May 8

Due to City IT maintenance, there may be an intermittent network outage between 8-10 pm during Study Hall on Thursday, May 8. Computers, printers and WiFi may not be available at times. Thank you for your patience.

All Branches and Bookmobile Stops
Published:
Wednesday, May 7, 2025 - 4:00pm
All Branches Closed - Victoria Day 

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.

All Branches and Bookmobile Stops
Published:
Thursday, May 1, 2025 - 9:30am
Central Library - Fire Drill

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.

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Affected Branch: Central Library
Published:
Wednesday, April 30, 2025 - 1:30pm
Turner Park Branch - Roof Repair

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.

Published:
Monday, April 28, 2025 - 10:00am
Ancaster Branch - Temporary Closure, May 5-31

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.

www.hpl.ca/ancaster

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Published:
Wednesday, April 16, 2025 - 11:00am
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.

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Affected Branch: Central Library
Published:
Thursday, April 10, 2025 - 3:30pm
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
Sherwood Branch - Basement Renovation

The first phase of renovations continues at the Sherwood Branch. 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:
Thursday, April 3, 2025 - 10:15am

The Rights of Children and Youth in the Public Library Statement

The Hamilton Public Library provides library service for children and youth to support and foster a lifelong love of reading and learning. The Hamilton Public Library Board fully endorses the Children’s Rights in the Public Library adopted at the Ontario Library Association Annual General Meeting, November 1998 and the Teen’s Rights in the Public Library adopted at the Ontario Library Association General Meeting, June 2010.  

DEFINITIONS 

In the absence of definitions provided by OLA, and for the purpose of this statement, the following definitions apply: 

Children: A person who is under the age of 18. 

Teen: A person who is between the age of 13 and 17. 

Youth: While the City of Hamilton identifies Youth to be a person between the ages of 14 and 29, for the purpose of this statement Youth refers to Teens (a person who is ages 13 to 17). 

Ontario Library Association’s Position on Children’s Rights in the Public Library 

Children in Public Libraries have the right to:  

  1. Intellectual freedom. 

  1. Equal access to the full range of services and materials available to other users.  

  1. A full range of materials, services and programs specifically designed and developed to meet their needs.

  1. Adequate funding for collections and services related to population, use and local community needs.  

  1. A library environment that complements their physical and developmental stages.

  1. Trained and knowledgeable staff specializing in children's services.

  1. Welcoming, respectful, supportive service from birth through the transition to adult user.   

  1. An advocate who will speak on their behalf to the library administration, library board, municipal council and community to make people aware of the goals of children's services. 

  1. Library policies written to include the needs of the child.