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

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

Archives

Hamilton Public Library Archives

This collection is the record of the history of the Hamilton Public Library itself. One of the earliest Public Libraries in Ontario, the Hamilton Public Library its 125th anniversary in 2015. The collection consists of minute books from 1889 to the present, committee minutes, photographs, architectural plans, accession books, financial records, branch library records, publicity materials, newspaper clippings, history, ephemera and other materials. There is a finding aid for the material contained in this collection. 

Hamilton and Hamilton-Wentworth Archives

The largest single component of Local History & Archives is the Archives Collection. This collection consists of material such as letters, photographs, manuscripts, diaries and other original records created by Hamilton and area citizens. There are records of local businesses and organizations, family papers, government records of the City of Hamilton and the County of Wentworth, military records, theatrical collections, music collections, ephemera, etc.

To find out what is contained in the Archival units you can use the Finding Aids that list the contents and the Where-to-Look.

Local History of Hamilton

This collection consists of thousands of books and pamphlets relating in some way to the history, politics, culture and industry of Hamilton, as well as many other aspects. Within this collection are almost 2,000 scrapbooks on topics of local interest including churches, elections, hospitals, crime, Hamilton Harbour, weather, theatre, sports, politics, historic houses, and people.