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

Donations, Sponsorship and Fundraising Policy

POLICY PURPOSE

The Hamilton Public Library (HPL) welcomes and encourages donations, gifts and sponsorship from individuals, groups, foundations and corporations to enhance library system services.  The Library provides service to the community in accordance with the Library’s missions, values and strategic goals. The Hamilton Public Library gratefully accepts donations and sponsorship and fundraising opportunities based on this policy.

KEY POINTS SUMMARY

  • The Library gratefully accepts donations and welcomes sponsorships and fundraising opportunities with third parties in order to advance its mission, adhere to its values and meet its strategic goals.
  • Undesignated cash donations are set aside in a Donations Reserve. Use of funds from the Donations Reserve shall be approved by the Library Board. Designated donations that are specified for particular uses by the donor are directed to the appropriate cost centre.
  • The Library has a long-standing partnership with the Hamilton Community Foundation (HCF) in managing its endowment funds. Endowment funds are gratefully accepted and directed to the HCF on behalf of the Library. The HCF manages the Library’s endowments and provides the Library Board with the investment income annually. The Library Board approves the expenditures of these funds consistent with the specifications of the funds.
  • The Hamilton Public Library Board will maintain a donor recognition program in support of this policy. The purpose of the donor recognition program is to thank donors, to encourage others to give, and to steward a healthy long-term relationship between the Library and its donors. The Library respects the wishes of the donors who wish to remain anonymous.
  • Charitable receipts are issued for cash donations, appraised donations of art and valuable papers, as well as in-kind donations. Charitable receipts cannot be issued for more than the fair market value as determined by an independent appraiser. 

DEFINITIONS

Financial Services Office of HPL - This office is responsible for financial services of the Library and facilitates tax receipts and donations.  Activities of this office are overseen by the Director of Finance & Facilities.

Cash - Cash includes cheques, money orders, bank drafts, and money (bills & coin). Donations made by debit card and by credit card are also considered cash gifts.

Donation- A donation is a gift, contribution of cash, or goods given voluntarily to the Library as a philanthropic act without expectation or requirement of reciprocal benefit. A designated donation is one that is to be used for a specific purpose. An undesignated donation is one that has no stipulations on use. 

Gifts In-Kind - Gifts in-kind, also known as non-cash gifts, are gifts of property. They cover items such as artwork, equipment, securities, and cultural and ecological property. A contribution of service, that is, of time, skills or effort, is not property and, therefore, does not qualify as a gift or gift in-kind for purposes of issuing official donation receipts. CRA charities & giving glossary

Sponsorship - A sponsorship is a mutually beneficial exchange between the Hamilton Public Library and an outside organization, in which an external party makes a contribution of cash or in-kind goods or services to the Library in return for recognition, acknowledgements or other considerations. Sponsors receive a benefit of reciprocal value in return for their support and contribution.

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