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.
What's Happening Guide Changes
Published:
Monday, June 29, 2026 - 3:00pm
Sunday Hours Return to Central Library
Starting July 5, Central Library will be open on Sundays from Noon to 5 pm. www.hpl.ca/central
Published:
Monday, June 29, 2026 - 1:00pm
Red Hill Branch Accessible Ramp Not Available
The accessibility ramp at Red Hill Branch is not working. We aim to fix it quickly.
Published:
Monday, June 29, 2026 - 9:45am
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
The last day of Study Hall is Thursday, June 25. The service will resume on Tuesday, September 8. www.hpl.ca/study-halls
Published:
Tuesday, June 23, 2026 - 3:00pm
Canada Day Closure - All Branches
All HPL Branches are closed on Canada Day, Wednesday, July 1st. Bookmobile is off the road and Extended Access is unavailable. Regular service hours resume on Thursday, July 2. Our Virtual Branch is open at hpl.ca. www.hpl.ca/hours
Published:
Tuesday, June 23, 2026 - 3:00pm
Construction work at Barton Branch
The entrance to the Barton Branch parking lot off of Milton St. is currently inaccessible due to construction. The parking lot can still be accessed via the alley off Fullerton St. during this time.
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
Due to Driver availability, Bookmobile has the following schedule modifications for the month of June. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Bookmobile Service June Modifications
Tuesday, June 30:
- Greencedar - Cancelled
- Mountview - Cancelled
Wed, July 1:
- Library Closed - All Stops Cancelled
Thurs, July 2:
-
Rockton Cancelled
-
Mohawk Gardens Cancelled
-
Meadowlands Cancelled
Fri, July 3:
-
Winona Cancelled
-
Queen Victoria Cancelled
Mon, July 6:
-
Special Event - All Stops Cancelled
Published:
Friday, May 22, 2026 - 12:00pm
Accessibility Policy
Policy Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to ensure that the Hamilton Public Library provides library services, resources and facilities in ways that are accessible to persons with disabilities. It provides a framework for compliance with the requirements of the Ontarians with Disabilities Act (ODA) and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and addresses specific areas required by the Integrated Accessibility Standards regulation associated with the AODA. This Policy applies to all persons who provide library services including employees, volunteers and all other persons that provide goods, services or facilities on behalf of the Library.
Key Points Summary
- The Hamilton Public Library is committed to providing Library services that are accessible to all persons who wish to obtain, use, and benefit from Library services. Library Services will be relevant, inclusive, and responsive to community needs. Each member of the community, including persons with disabilities, has an equal opportunity to use and/or to be employed by the Hamilton Public Library.
- The Library will provide accessible customer service that respects the dignity and independence of persons with disabilities. The Library will strive to provide library services that meet the specific needs of persons with disabilities, and services that are convenient and accessible.
- The Hamilton Public Library will provide communication supports and accessible formats and it will incorporate accessibility design, criteria and features when procuring or acquiring goods, services or facilities, except where it is not practicable to do so.
- The Hamilton Public Library is committed to providing employment accommodation processes for library employees and job applicants. The Library will notify its employees and the public about the availability of accommodation for job applicants and for employees with disabilities.
- The Library will meet the accessibility needs of persons with disabilities in a timely manner. When communicating with a person with a disability, the Library will do so in a way that takes into account the person’s disability, as directed by that individual.
Definitions
- “Accessible formats” may include, but are not limited to, large print, recorded audio and electronic formats, braille and other formats usable by persons with disabilities.
- “Assistive devices” are any products, instruments, equipment or technological aids used by persons with disabilities to help prevent, compensate, relieve or neutralize a disability. They may include Braille recorders, recording devices, Bliss symbolics boards or devices, and more.
- A “barrier” is anything that prevents a person with a disability from fully participating in all aspects of society because of their disability, including a physical barrier, an architectural barrier, an information or communications barrier, an attitudinal barrier, a technological barrier, a policy or a practice.
- “Communication supports” may include, but are not limited to, captioning, alternative and augmentative communication supports, plain language, sign language and other supports that facilitate effective communications.
- "Disability" means:
- any degree of physical disability, infirmity, malformation or disfigurement that is caused by bodily injury, birth defect or illness and, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, includes diabetes mellitus, epilepsy, a brain injury, any degree of paralysis, amputation, lack of physical co-ordination, blindness or visual impediment, deafness or hearing impediment, muteness or speech impediment, or physical reliance on a guide dog or other animal or on a wheelchair or other remedial appliance or device,
- a condition of mental impairment or a developmental disability,
- a learning disability, or a dysfunction in one or more of the processes involved in understanding or using symbols or spoken language,
- a mental disorder, or
- an injury or disability for which benefits were claimed or received under the insurance plan established under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997.
- any degree of physical disability, infirmity, malformation or disfigurement that is caused by bodily injury, birth defect or illness and, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, includes diabetes mellitus, epilepsy, a brain injury, any degree of paralysis, amputation, lack of physical co-ordination, blindness or visual impediment, deafness or hearing impediment, muteness or speech impediment, or physical reliance on a guide dog or other animal or on a wheelchair or other remedial appliance or device,
- “Service animal” refers to an animal used by a person for reason relating to their disability. An animal is a service animal for a person with a disability if,
- The animal can be readily identified as one that is being used by the person for reasons relating to the person’s disability, as a result of visual indicators such as the vest or harness worn by the animal; or
- The person provides documentation from one of the following regulated health professionals confirming that the person requires the animal for reasons relating to the disability: \
-
A member of the College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario;
-
A member of the College of Chiropractors of Ontario;
-
A member of the College of Nurses of Ontario;
-
A member of the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario;
-
A member of the College of Optometrists of Ontario;
-
A member of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario;
-
A member of the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario;
-
A member of the College of Psychologists of Ontario; or
-
A member of the College of Registered Psychotherapists and Registered Mental Health Therapists of Ontario. O. Reg. 165/16, s. 16
-
-
A “support person” is another person who accompanies a person with a disability to help with communication, mobility, personal care or medical needs or with access to goods, services or facilities.
