Catalogue and Digital Resources Scheduled Maintenance
We're doing system updates Sunday January 31. After 8:00pm you can access our catalogue, online registration, HPL SmartPay and all the digital resources again. Thank you for your patience.
RBDigital Magazines moving to OverDrive/Libby
On January 29, 2021 all magazines on RBDigital are moving to OverDrive and Libby.
- Unlimited access to all magazines, including the Economist.
- Up to three years of back issues for each title.
- You can still access Acorn and Great Courses through RBDigital.
Census
Census records are of great value to historical research. Local History & Archives has access to several different census records.
Census records for Ontario (to 1901) are available on microfilm in the department. Births which occur during a census year are noted in the record.
Census information for Canada up until 1921 is available on Ancestry Library Edition, which is available through Hamilton Public Library's public computer workstations at every library branch. Ancestry Library Edition is also available on your own personal computer or device when using HPL's wireless internet at any branch.
Some census information is also available online via the links listed below.
Online indexes and information:
Genealogy and Family History at Library and Archives Canada
Information about using Library and Archives Canada for genealogical research.
An incredible, searchable collection of census results from all over the world, spanning several centuries. Canadian records from 1825 (Lower Canada) to 1916 are available.
An indexed database of the 1901 Canadian census.
