Catalogue Access Issues

Access to catalogue is currently intermittent and is currently under investigation. We apologize for the inconvenience. 

Published:
Thursday, July 23, 2026 - 7:30pm
Bookmobile Service Modification

The Bookmobile visit to the Helen Detwiler location on Wed Jul 29 is cancelled.

Published:
Tuesday, July 21, 2026 - 9:00am
Express Items via OverDrive - Partner Libraries Update

As of July 1, Partner Library Members can no longer borrow HPL Express items via OverDrive. More to Borrow partner libraries offer Lucky Express (Skip the Line) titles to their cardholders only. This helps manage wait times for popular titles. Lucky Express is a collection of in-demand titles with a seven-day loan and no wait time. 

Partner Library Members can borrow titles from the main collection. 
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
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

Flashbacks

Flashbacks uniquely explores the city's bygone days with stories, interviews, tours of landmarks, historical photos and each episode features one of Mark's songs about the theme of the show. Hosted by HPL Archivist Margaret Houghton and reporter Mark McNeil, Flashbacks is a collaboration between Cable 14, The Spectator and the Hamilton Public Library.  (source: Cable 14 website)

Mark McNeil won the 2016 Multimedia Journalism award during the 2016 Ontario Newspapers Award for his work on Flashbacks. "McNeil breathes new life into Hamilton history through skilful use of each platform’s strengths: crisply written narratives and engaging quizzes in print, interactive web storytelling, and compelling local television and on-demand video. Flashbacks truly makes the past come alive.” (62nd Annual Ontario Newspaper Awards)

Flashbacks episodes can also be viewed on the Hamilton Spectator Stories website along with the in-depth features that Mark has written about the episodes.

Episode 3

Episode 4

Episode 5