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.
HPL's catalogue is not available from 5-10am on Sunday May 25 due to system maintenance. Thank you for your patience.
The Stoney Creek Arena and Millgrove Bookmobile visits on Saturday May 24 are cancelled. Apologies for the inconvenience.
Extended Access at the Freelton Branch is not working. Please visit during staffed hours. We aim to fix it quickly. Apologies for the inconvenience.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Census

Please note: Historical information and facts presented here are undergoing verification and will be reviewed and revised, as needed. - Posted June 2024
Census records are valuable to historical research.
Census records from 1825 to 1931 are available online through Library and Archives Canada.
Ontario Census records (to 1901) are available on microfilm in Local History and Archives by request. Births which occur during a census year are noted in the record.
Census records are also available via the links listed below.
Online indexes and information:
Ancestry Library Edition
Census information for Canada is availble on Ancestry Library Edition, which is available through Hamilton Public Library's public computer workstations at every branch. Ancestry Library Edition is also available on your personal computer or device when using HPL's wireless internet at any branch.
Genealogy and Family History at Library and Archives Canada
Information about using Library and Archives Canada for genealogical research.
A searchable collection of global census results spanning several centuries. Canadian records from 1825 (Lower Canada) to 1931 are available. Registration (free) is required.
An indexed database of the 1901 Canadian census.