Sherwood Branch Public Computer Service Disruption

The computer lab on the 1st floor at the Sherwood Branch is currently out of order. There are limited public comptuers available on the 2nd floor. Printing and photocopying is still available. We are working to resolve as soon as possible.

Published:
Friday, June 6, 2025 - 10:00am
Sunday Hours - Modified Service, June 22

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.

1
Published:
Wednesday, June 4, 2025 - 3:00pm
Westdale Branch - Delayed Opening

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.

1
Published:
Tuesday, June 3, 2025 - 2:15pm
Red Hill Branch Accessibile Washroom Out of Order

The accessible washroom at Red Hill Branch is not working. We aim to get it fixed quickly.

Published:
Tuesday, June 3, 2025 - 11:00am
Terryberry Branch Elevator Out of Order

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.

1
Published:
Saturday, May 31, 2025 - 1:00pm
Public Computers - Audio Volume

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.

 

All Branches and Bookmobile Stops
Published:
Thursday, May 29, 2025 - 4:00pm
Sherwood Branch - Temporary Closure

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.

Published:
Thursday, May 29, 2025 - 11:00am
Mount Hope Branch Accessibile Ramp Not Available

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.

Published:
Friday, May 23, 2025 - 4:30pm
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
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.

1
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

Security Camera Policy

Policy Purpose:

The Hamilton Public Library Board strives to maintain a safe and secure environment for members and staff while protecting individual rights to privacy. The Library recognizes the use of security cameras at Library facilities as part of the Library’s overall strategy to ensure the safety of persons and property. This policy will adhere to privacy requirements set out in the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. In addition, this policy has been developed to follow the guidelines set out by the Information and Privacy Commission of Ontario.  

Key Points Summary:

  • This Policy applies to all types of camera surveillance systems, surveillance monitors and camera recording devices that are used for security purposes at Library managed facilities. This policy does not address instances where library staff record a specific event (such as a program, or presentation). 

  • Security camera systems are a resource used by the Hamilton Public Library Board within the Board's jurisdiction to promote the safety of visitors, staff and community members. Where deployed for that purpose, these systems also help to protect library property against theft or vandalism and can assist in the identification of intruders and of persons breaking the law.  

  • In the event of a reported or observed incident, the review of recorded information may be used to assist in the investigation of the incident. The Library will maintain control of and responsibility for the security camera system at all times.  

  • Employees and service providers are expected to review and comply with this Policy, the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA), and other relevant statutes in performing any duties and functions that are related to the operation of the security camera program.  

  • The Chief Librarian will issue administrative procedures in support of this policy. 

Definitions:

Personal Information (taken from MFIPPA)- Recorded information about an identifiable individual, including, 

(a) information relating to the race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation or marital or family status of the individual, 

(b) information relating to the education or the medical, psychiatric, psychological, criminal or employment history of the individual or information relating to financial transactions in which the individual has been involved, 

(c) any identifying number, symbol or other particular assigned to the individual, 

(d) the address, telephone number, fingerprints or blood type of the individual, 

(e) the personal opinions or views of the individual except if they relate to another individual, 

(f) correspondence sent to an institution by the individual that is implicitly or explicitly of a private or confidential nature, and replies to that correspondence that would reveal the contents of the original correspondence, 

(g) the views or opinions of another individual about the individual, and 

(h) the individual’s name if it appears with other personal information relating to the individual or where the disclosure of the name would reveal other personal information about the individual. 

IPC – Information and Privacy Commission of Ontario.  IPC oversees compliance with the privacy protection provisions of MFIPPA and conducts investigations into privacy complaints.  IPC also provides guidance regarding Ontario’s access and privacy legislation. 

MFIPPA – Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.  The purpose of the Act is to provide a right of access to information under the control of institutions and to protect the privacy of individuals with respect to personal information about themselves held by institutions.