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
April 28: National Day of Mourning

Monday, April 28 is the National Day of Mourning to remember and honour those who have died, been injured or suffered illness in the workplace. All HPL Branches will observe a minute of silence at 11am to honour their memories.

All Branches and Bookmobile Stops
Published:
Friday, April 25, 2025 - 9:00am
Westdale Branch: Polling Station

Monday, April 28 is Election Day in Canada. Westdale Branch is open 9:30am-9:30pm as a polling station. Please bring one piece of ID to vote. Please note there will be a minute of silence at 11am in honour of the National Day of Mourning.

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Published:
Friday, April 25, 2025 - 9:00am
Extended Access at Freelton Branch Unavailable

Extended Access at Freelton Branch is not working. We aim to fix it quickly. Apologies for the inconvenience.

Published:
Thursday, April 24, 2025 - 12:00pm
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
Sherwood Branch - Basement Renovation

The first phase of renovations will begin at the Sherwood Branch from April 10 to May 2. 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:
Monday, April 7, 2025 - 8:30am
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
Barton Branch Accessibile Washroom Out of Order

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

Published:
Saturday, February 15, 2025 - 10:15am
  • Leatherdale portrait

    Genealogy: Research Your Family

    Local History & Archives has many resources to help you research your family history.

  • Hamilton Public Library (1890-1913)

    History of the Local History & Archives Department

    A brief history of the LH&A Department of Hamilton Public Library

  • Map cabinet

    Maps

    These plans are valuable maps for building research. They are large scale maps that show shape, size and exact location of individual buildings. They provide detail about the construction materials, outbuildings and neighbourhoods.

  • LHA Gov docs

    Government Documents Collection

    Access more than 70,000 free Canadian Government publications, digitized by Internet Archive Canada.

  • Housing in Downtown Hamilton

    Tax Assessment Records

    Tax assessment records can help in accurate dating of the construction of the building as well as disclosing the original owner and a list of occupants.

  • Records of the City of Hamilton

    Historical Records of the City of Hamilton

    Historical records for the City of Hamilton

  • City Directories

    City Directories show an alphabetical listing of street addresses which can be cross-referenced with an alphabetical listing of surnames.

  • Historypin

    Local History and Archives on Historypin

    Historypin is an image-mapping project using archival photographs

  • Dr. Annie Davis' Medical Kit

    Rare and Unusual

    There are many rare and wonderful treasures in Local History and Archives.

  • Where-To-Look Catalogue

    The "Where-to-Look" Index

    This amazing resource is an up-to-date source for finding information about Hamilton in Local History and Archives

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    Local History and Archives Rules of Use

    Local History and Archives Rules of Use: an outline of member's responsibilities in partnering with staff to preserve the Local History and Archives collection

  • Students using an old-style phone at the Bell Homestead.

    Where is LHA?

    Visit Local History and Archives at Central Branch, 3rd floor.

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    Parks Police

    In the early 1940's, vandalism and other occurrences began to increase in frequency in the parks. Fred Marshal, one of Hamilton's parks superintendents, worked to reverse this trend.

  • Gore Park, 1870s

    History of Gore Park

    Gore Park has been a meeting place for Hamiltonians since the early 1800s.