Barton Branch Washrooms Out of Order

All public washrooms at Barton Branch are not working. We aim to get it fixed quickly.

Published:

Saturday, February 28, 2026 - 4:00pm

Freelton Branch – Extended Access Only

The Freelton Branch is open today from 9 AM to 5 PM for Extended Access only.

Published:

Saturday, February 28, 2026 - 8:45am

Valley Park Community Centre Closure

From March 23 until April 12, Valley Park Community Centre will be closed for renovations, reopening April 13. Pool and changerooms will remain closed until early summer 2026.

Valley Park Branch will remain open during the renovations for your library needs.

www.hpl.ca/valley-park

Published:

Friday, February 27, 2026 - 11:00am

Carlisle Branch - Exterior Filming

Filming will take place Mar 3-4, 7am to 11pm, at 1464 Centre Rd. This may impact traffic flow in the surrounding area.

Published:

Friday, February 20, 2026 - 2:15pm

Carlisle Branch Accessible Door Out of Order

The accessibility door at Carlisle Branch is not working. We aim to fix it quickly.

Published:

Tuesday, February 17, 2026 - 2:30pm

Concession Branch - Upcoming Renovations

Renovation preparations are underway in anticipation of the March 2 start. Computer availability may be limited. Living Room and Makerspace areas are closed. (The next nearest Makerspaces are Sherwood and Terryberry Branches.) Renovations are expected to be completed in late Spring. Thank you for your patience.

Published:

Tuesday, February 10, 2026 - 1:00pm

Sherwood Branch - Upcoming Renovations

Renovation preparations are underway in anticipation of the March 2 start. Starting the week of February 23, the 2nd Floor will be closed. The Children's collection will be temporarily available on the 1st Floor. Renovations are expected to be completed in late Spring. Thank you for your patience.

Published:

Tuesday, February 10, 2026 - 1:00pm

Central Library - Living Room Renovation Preparation

Starting Tuesday February 10, the First Floor Living Room is closed due to renovation preparations. Study and work spaces are available on Floors 2-4. Thank you for your patience.

Published:

Friday, February 6, 2026 - 9:00am

Bookmobile Service Modification

Please note the following Bookmobile visit updates.

Friday, February 27
Winona 11:00am-12:00pm - Cancelled
Maplewood 2:30-4:00pm - Cancelled

Published:

Monday, February 2, 2026 - 3:15pm

Carlisle Branch Accessible Washroom Out of Order

The accessible washroom at Carlisle Branch is not working. We aim to get it fixed quickly.

Published:

Tuesday, January 27, 2026 - 12:30pm

Central Library - Sunday Hours Paused

Effective Sunday, February 1, Sunday service hours at Central Library will be paused.

Sunday Hours will continue at Dundas, Red Hill, Terryberry, Turner Park, Valley Park and Waterdown Branches from 1-5pm.

www.hpl.ca/hours

Published:

Wednesday, January 21, 2026 - 11:00am

The Duet Club

Duet Club Scrapbook

The Duet Club was established in Hamilton by Ellen Ambrose in 1889, making it the earliest recorded women's music club in Canada.

Ellen Sophia Ambrose (1851-1936) came to Hamilton with her family in 1875. She taught music first at the Wesleyan Ladies' College, where her father also taught, and in 1889 began teaching at Mrs. Thomas Chesnut's Ladies' School. In 1890 she opened her own studio.

Miss Ambrose had her students gather in her studio and in their respective homes to play for each other. Membership increased and the meetings moved out of houses and the fledgling organization was first known as the Haydn Duet Club (as they had been studying Haydn). The name was later changed to Duet Club.

The members met twice a month in the morning with an occasional open meeting. Originally intended for "ladies only", the Duet Club now welcomes all who enjoy fine music and who wish to support the study of it through the extensive program sponsored by the club.

The Junior Duet Club formed in 1928 and was later disbanded. It was reformed in 1959 and in 1962 given its own funds and its own executive.