Mount Hope Branch Accessibile Ramp Not Available

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.

Published:
Friday, May 23, 2025 - 4:30pm
Extended Access at Freelton Branch Unavailable

Extended Access at the Freelton Branch is not working. Please visit during staffed hours. We aim to fix it quickly. Apologies for the inconvenience.

Published:
Thursday, May 22, 2025 - 2:45pm
Construction Work at Sherwood Branch

The Sherwood Branch has following service limitations due to construction:

  • 1st Floor closed to the public
  • 2nd Floor collections (teen, children, and graphic novels) available 
  • 2nd Floor: Limited browsing of Express Adult Fic and Express DVDs
  • Holds pickup on the 2nd Floor
  • Reduced number of public computers on 2nd Floor
  • Printing and copying available on 2nd Floor
  • Seating is reduced
  • Parking, washroom and elevator access available

Please refer to hpl.ca/events for up-to-date program listings. Most programs will continue as normal on the 2nd Floor or in the basement. 

Published:
Thursday, May 15, 2025 - 2:30pm
All Branches Closed - May 30, Staff Professional Development

All HPL Branches are closed on Friday May 30 for Staff Development. Bookmobile is off the road and Extended Access is not available. HPL's online card registration, catalogue and eResources are not available until 5pm due to scheduled maintenance. All branches reopen Saturday May 31. 

All Branches and Bookmobile Stops
Published:
Monday, May 12, 2025 - 8:00am
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
Ancaster Branch - Temporary Relocation in May

Until Saturday May 31, the Ancaster Branch is temporarily relocated to the Ancaster Rotary Centre, 385 Jerseyville Road West, Ancaster. The Wilson Street branch is closed for a roof and HVAC replacement and is expected to reopen on Monday June 2 at 9:30am.

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
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

Borrowing

Man returning books

What do I need to borrow material?

To borrow library materials, you will need your library card number and your PIN. A PIN is assigned when you register for a card.

You can change this PIN at any time, through your My HPL library account or at any library branch. Please make sure you bring identification when you wish to make changes to your account in person.

How long can I borrow material?

The loan period for most circulating items is 21 days with following exceptions:

  • Express DVDs –7 days
  • Magazines –7 days (adult and children's, non-renewable)
  • Park Passes –7 days
  • Book Club Kits –42 days
  • VLS members’ loan period –120 days

When you check out materials you will receive a receipt with the due date for the items you have borrowed. A receipt can also be emailed to you. You can also check MyHPL for due dates.

Borrowing Limits

For more information about library cards, see Types of Library cards.

Renewals

Items that are eligible for renewal will automatically be renewed on the due date up to three (3) times following initial checkout. Members with email notification will receive an email informing them of which items have been renewed and which items will be due.

The following items are not eligible for renewal:

  • Items requested by another member
  • Magazines
  • DVD Express
  • Bestseller Express

Renewal of Interlibrary loan materials is subject to the guidelines of the lending library.

Reserves/Holds

Members may reserve an item to be picked up at a preferred location. This is referred to as placing an item on “hold.” Upon notification that a reserve is available, members have 7 open days to pick up the item. The following physical items cannot be reserved:

Returns

Items borrowed from the Hamilton Public Library need to be returned to an HPL location. Drop boxes are available for the return of items when the location is closed. If a Hamilton Public Library item is returned to another library system in error, the card holder is responsible for all fees and associated charges. Certain items may need to be returned during open hours.

Suspension of Borrowing Privileges

Borrowing privileges are suspended when members have overdue materials over the threshold limit. Suspensions only apply to physical borrowing; digital collections and resources remain accessible.

Partnerships

HPL cardholders can also borrow materials from Burlington Public Library. Read more about this partnership at More to Borrow | HPL
Through OverDrive/Libby HPL cardholders can access eBooks and eAudiobooks at Burlington, Ottawa, London, Milton (February 26, 2025), Kingston and Mississauga libraries. Read more information about this partnership at hpl.ca/More-to-Borrow.