We're excited to share a preview of the new HPL.ca before its official launch on September 15.
Explore the new site, discover updated navigation and get familiar with the improved online experience designed to make it easier to find Library services, programs, collections and information.
If you encounter an issue or have feedback, please let us know through our Contact Us page.
Heat Warning for the City of Hamilton.
Significant heat and humidity will arrive on Tuesday, September 1.
For information about heat-related illnesses, cool place locations and reducing your risk, visit hamilton.ca/heat.
The elevator at Ancaster Branch is not working. We're working to get it fixed quickly.
Due to a glass door installation for the new Makerspace area, Concession Branch will close at 1 pm on Thursday, September 3. It is expected to reopen to its regular hours with limited services on Friday, September 4. Stay tuned for continual updates.
www.hpl.ca/concession
All HPL Branches are closed on Sunday, September 6 and Labour Day, Monday, September 7. Bookmobile is off the road. Extended Access is not available. Regular service hours resume on Tuesday, September 8.
Please note that Milton Avenue at Barton Street is under construction. Access to the parking lot is limited. Nearby street parking is available and an HSR route out front. Thank you for your patience.
The Print on the Go service is not working at all Branches. We aim to fix it as soon as possible.
Due to Staff training, the following service modifications are planned.
Visit www.hpl.ca/hours for open alternate locations.
Bookmobile has the following schedule modifications for September:
Please visit www.hpl.ca/bookmobile for updates on service modifications.
Tuesday, September 8
Thursday, September 10
Saturday, September 12
Thursday, September 17
Friday, September 18
After Hours Study Hall is not available in July and August. Hours will resume Tuesday, September 8. www.hpl.ca/study-halls
Indians always seemed of great interest to travellers from the beginning. Patrick Campbell in his travels in 1791 came across a band of Indians fishing on Lake Geneva, now known as Burlington Bay, which had frozen over; "Their manner of fishing appeared to be somewhat curious. The Indian provides himself with a small spear, of two prongs each prong about six inches long, with a shaft of light wood, about ten feet long. A little false or artificial fish made of wood, so exactly formed and coloured, that it is impossible to conceive it to be any other thing than a real fish, without handling it; when in the water the deception is not to be discovered. A little lead is put into the body of this image to make it sink; a hole is made in the ice, into which the fisherman drops the image, suspended by a small piece of twine, of about a fathom or two long, so exactly fitted in the middle as to make it balance; he then lays flat on his face at the side of the hole, which, as well as himself, he covers with his blanket so close that no light can get in from above; holding the twine in one hand and his spear in the other he tugs and works the thread to make his little fish play, as if alive in the water, which being observed by a ravenous fish, he makes at it to snap it up, and the others who are not so, come from curiosity to see what it is that makes this little fish so sportive and playful, and continue for some time swimming about, which gives a fair opportunity to the Indian, who is ever watchful, to strike them with his spear."
Mr. Campbell also tells of a phenomenal tourist attraction that Hamilton boasts of - a volcano. However, only the Indians knew where it was located and they were not telling.
"Dr. Kerr, of the Indian department, told me he meant to search for it next summer, and flattered himself he would find it out. Whatever is the cause of this singular phenomenon, it must be very deep in the bowels of the earth, as no smoke issues from it, or any crevice or opening to be seen about it."
