Barton Branch - Closed Due to Water Disruption

Barton Branch is closed Tuesday, July 7, 9am-3pm due to a scheduled water shutdown for City construction work in the area.

Published:
Friday, July 3, 2026 - 2:45pm
Heat Warning Notification for the City of Hamilton

Heat Warning for the City of Hamilton.

Significant heat and humidity will arrive on Tuesday June 30.

For information about heat-related illnesses, cool place locations and reducing your risk, visit hamilton.ca.

Published:
Tuesday, June 30, 2026 - 9:00am
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

Sunday hours return to Central Library. Beginning July 5, Central is open Noon to 5pm. Dundas, Red Hill, Terryberry, Turner Park, Valley Park and Waterdown branches are also open Sundays, 1 to 5pm. hpl.ca/hours

Published:
Monday, June 29, 2026 - 1:00pm
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

After Hours Study Hall is not available in July and August. Hours will resume Tuesday, September 8. www.hpl.ca/study-halls

Published:
Tuesday, June 23, 2026 - 3:00pm
Construction at Barton Branch

The entrance to the Barton Branch's parking lot off Milton Street is currently inaccessible due to construction. Please use the alley entrance off Fullerton Street. 

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

Bookmobile Service Modifications 

Fri Jul 3:                    

  • Winona Cancelled

  • Queen Victoria Cancelled

Mon Jul 6:                 

  • Special Event - All Stops Cancelled

Published:
Friday, May 22, 2026 - 12:00pm

British Empire Games

Finish of 100 Yards Final
Finish of 100 Yards Final

The first British Empire Games, now called the Commonwealth Games, were held in Hamilton, Ontario, August 16th to 23rd, 1930. This was due to the vision of Melville Marks Robinson of the Hamilton Spectator, who conceived the idea in the spring of 1928. Mr. Robinson, with the support of his associates in the Hamilton Olympic Club, members of the Hamilton City Council and Parks Board, and some of the leading business men of Canada, was able to bring the Games to Hamilton.

The Games brought together the best athletes of the British Commonwealth. There were 400 competitors from 11 countries in the first games. Local History & Archives possesses a collection of images captured during this historic event, depicting the athletes in competition, celebrating victories, as well as the massive crowds in attendance and the ceremonial elements of the Games.