Concession Branch's Children's Department Closure for Repair

Concession Branch's children's department will be closed on the morning of Monday, June 2nd for minor repairs. We apologize for the inconvenience. 

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Published:
Monday, May 26, 2025 - 2:15pm
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
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 9am.

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

The Hamilton Public Library Board

The Library board with the CEO sitting in front of a small garden in front of a blue HPL wall.

Pictured Left to Right: HPL CEO Paul Takala, Kojo Damptey, Brie Berry, Councillor Ted McMeekin, Carly Whitmore, Nicolas van Velzen, Jennifer Horwath, Gagan Batra, Lynne Serviss
Absent: Councillor Cameron Kroetsch, Dayna Firth, Alison Griggs

Cancellation Notice: The Board Meeting scheduled for Wednesday, January 15, has been cancelled. The HPL Board will resume its 2025 meeting schedule on Wednesday, February 19.

The Hamilton Public Library Board is made up of nine citizens and two City Councillors. The Library Board establishes library services for our community based on public input, market research and by monitoring satisfaction with services.

Members of the Hamilton Public Library Board 2023-2026:

  • Gagan Batra
  • Brie Berry
  • Kojo Damptey
  • Dayna Firth
  • Alison Griggs
  • Jennifer Horwath
  • Lynne Serviss
  • Nicolas van Velzen
  • Carly Whitmore
  • Councillor Cameron Kroetsch
  • Councillor Ted McMeekin
     

Library Board By-Laws

The Hamilton Public Library Board is duly constituted as a corporation and governed by the provisions of the Public Libraries Act, Statutes of Ontario, 1990, Chapter P. 44 and is established by the provisions of City of Hamilton By-Law 04-019.  

How can I contact the Board?:

Contact with the Board may be made through the Chief Librarian's office. The Chief Librarian serves as Secretary of the Board and is responsible for Library operations. Members of the public wishing to make a verbal or written delegation to the Library Board should contact the Board Secretary in writing seven (7) days in advance of the meeting using the contact information below. Meeting attendees must follow HPL's Member and Service Commitment Policy

55 York Boulevard, Box 2700
Hamilton, ON  L8N 4E4
905.546.3214
hplceo@hpl.ca

Meetings:

Board meetings are typically held at 6pm on the third Wednesday of each month:

2025 Meeting dates: 

  • January 15
  • February 19
  • March 19
  • April 16
  • May 21
  •  June 18
  • September 17
  • October 22*
  • November 19
  • December 10*

How can I apply to become a Library Board member?:

Library Board members are appointed by Hamilton City Council for a four-year term and serve without remuneration. A notice to citizens will be placed in The Hamilton Spectator and Hamilton community newspapers announcing the recruitment period. Application forms are available at all Municipal Service Centres, Hamilton City Hall and on the City's website during the recruitment period. The next term for recruitment is in 2026. 

2023-2026 Board Orientation Materials

Board Orientation Governance Overview 

HPL Planning Framework

Board Orientation HPL & The Role of the Library