The internet at Waterdown Branch is not working. We aim to have it fixed quickly.
Internet outage at Waterdown Branch
Published:
Friday, July 10, 2026 - 8:45am
Central Library - Fourth Floor Closure, Friday July 10
With the Steel Town Love special event taking place on Saturday, July 11, the Fourth Floor at Central Library will be closed for set-up all day on Friday, July 10. Makerspace and Newcomer Learning Centre will remain open.
The Fourth Floor will reopen its study spaces on Sunday, July 12, Noon-5 pm.
Published:
Monday, July 6, 2026 - 4:00pm
Express Items via OverDrive - Partner Libraries Update
As of July 1st, partner library Members can no longer borrow HPL Express items via Overdrive. More to Borrow partner libraries will be offering Lucky Express (Skip the line) titles to their cardholders only. This will help manage wait times for popular titles. Lucky Express is a collection of in demand titles with a seven-day loan period, available with no wait.
Our partners will still be able to borrow titles from the rest of our collection.
www.hpl.ca/more-to-borrow
Published:
Monday, July 6, 2026 - 10:00am
What's Happening Guide Changes
The What's Happening Guide has been retired and replaced with different communications channels and tactics. You can find the new Summer Reading Flyer here. Watch for future communications updates.
Published:
Monday, June 29, 2026 - 3:00pm
Sunday Hours Return to Central Library
Sunday hours return to Central Library. Beginning July 5, Central is open Noon to 5pm. Dundas, Red Hill, Terryberry, Turner Park, Valley Park and Waterdown branches are also open Sundays, 1 to 5pm. hpl.ca/hours
Published:
Monday, June 29, 2026 - 1:00pm
Carlisle Branch Accessible Door Out of Order
The accessibility door at Carlisle Branch is not working. We aim to fix it quickly.
Published:
Thursday, June 25, 2026 - 2:45pm
Study Halls Pause for Summer Break
After Hours Study Hall is not available in July and August. Hours will resume Tuesday, September 8. www.hpl.ca/study-halls
Published:
Tuesday, June 23, 2026 - 3:00pm
Construction at Barton Branch
The entrance to the Barton Branch's parking lot off Milton Street is currently inaccessible due to construction. Please use the alley entrance off Fullerton Street.
Published:
Wednesday, June 17, 2026 - 9:15am
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.
Published:
Wednesday, June 10, 2026 - 5:00am
Bookmobile Service Modification
Bookmobile Service Modifications
Wed, July 8:
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Helen Detwiler Cancelled
Thurs, July 9:
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Rockton Cancelled
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Millgrove Cancelled
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Bennetto Cancelled
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Kinsmen Cancelled
Published:
Friday, May 22, 2026 - 12:00pm
Census
Wilkinson Family Portrait, 189-?
Please note: Historical information and facts presented here are undergoing verification and will be reviewed and revised, as needed. - Posted June 2024
Census records are valuable to historical research.
Census records from 1825 to 1931 are available online through Library and Archives Canada.
Ontario Census records (to 1901) are available on microfilm in Local History and Archives by request. Births which occur during a census year are noted in the record.
Census records are also available via the links listed below.
Online indexes and information:
Ancestry Library Edition
Census information for Canada is availble on Ancestry Library Edition, which is available through Hamilton Public Library's public computer workstations at every branch. Ancestry Library Edition is also available on your personal computer or device when using HPL's wireless internet at any branch.
Genealogy and Family History at Library and Archives Canada
Information about using Library and Archives Canada for genealogical research.
A searchable collection of global census results spanning several centuries. Canadian records from 1825 (Lower Canada) to 1931 are available. Registration (free) is required.
An indexed database of the 1901 Canadian census.
