The computer lab on the 1st floor at the Sherwood Branch is currently out of order. There are limited public computers available on the 2nd floor. Printing and photocopying is still available. We are working to resolve as soon as possible.
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.
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.
The accessible washroom at Red Hill Branch is not working. We aim to get it fixed quickly.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Local History and Archives Rules of Use

The following is an outline of the member's responsibilities in partnering with staff to preserve the Local History and Archives (LHA) collection.
The LHA Reading Room is designated as a quiet study area. Seating priority will be given to individuals using material from the collections of LHA. We ask that you please conduct phone or group conversations outside of the room. Staff will be happy to direct you to an appropriate area.
Researchers are reminded that they are working with historical records, which are unique and often fragile. Please adhere to the following requirements while handling this material:
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A maximum of six containers or volumes will be supplied at one time
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Please do not remove any materials from the Reading Room
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Please consult with a staff member prior to photocopying documents
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Disable flash functionality on your digital camera prior to taking photographs
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For preservation reasons, the use of digital scanners is prohibited
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With the exception of bottled water in a covered container, eating and drinking are not permitted in the Reading Room; this includes chewing gum and candy.
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No marks of any kind are to be made on any of the material. Please use pencils to take notes.
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Please avoid placing notepads on top of materials or leaning directly on archival records. Tracing maps or other records, or the use of “post-it” or other self-sticking notes, staples or paper clips on archival records is not permitted.
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Please leave archival records flat on the table surface as much as possible. Avoid letting records overhang past the table's edge.
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Please handle records carefully and deliberately with both hands to ensure the safety of the record. We advise moving the records by sliding them from one pile to another.
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Please use the white cotton gloves provided when handling non-textual materials.
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It is imperative that the order of the archival records you are using remains intact. Please do not change the order of the files within a container, or items within a file.
Please consult with LHA staff if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you for using the Hamilton Public Library.