Red Hill Branch Accessible Washroom Out of Order

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

Published:
Tuesday, June 30, 2026 - 12:45pm
Heat Warning Notification for the City of Hamilton

Heat Warning for the City of Hamilton.

Significant heat and humidity will arrive on Tuesday June 30.

For information about heat-related illnesses, cool place locations and reducing your risk, visit hamilton.ca.

Published:
Tuesday, June 30, 2026 - 9:00am
What's Happening Guide Changes

The What's Happening Guide has been retired and replaced with different communications channels and tactics. You can find the new Summer Reading Flyer here. Watch for future communications updates.

Published:
Monday, June 29, 2026 - 3:00pm
Sunday Hours Return to Central Library

Starting July 5, Central Library will be open on Sundays from Noon to 5 pm. www.hpl.ca/central

Published:
Monday, June 29, 2026 - 1:00pm
Red Hill Branch Accessible Ramp Not Available

The accessibility ramp at Red Hill Branch is not working. We aim to fix it quickly.

Published:
Monday, June 29, 2026 - 9:45am
Carlisle Branch Accessible Door Out of Order

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

Published:
Thursday, June 25, 2026 - 2:45pm
Canada Day Closure - All Branches

All HPL Branches are closed on Canada Day, Wednesday, July 1st. Bookmobile is off the road and Extended Access is unavailable. Regular service hours resume on Thursday, July 2. Our Virtual Branch is open at hpl.ca. www.hpl.ca/hours

Published:
Tuesday, June 23, 2026 - 3:00pm
Study Halls Pause for Summer Break

The last day of Study Hall is Thursday, June 25. The service will resume on Tuesday, September 8. www.hpl.ca/study-halls

Published:
Tuesday, June 23, 2026 - 3:00pm
Construction work at Barton Branch

The entrance to the Barton Branch parking lot off of Milton St. is currently inaccessible due to construction. The parking lot can still be accessed via the alley off Fullerton St. during this time.

Published:
Wednesday, June 17, 2026 - 9:15am
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.

Published:
Wednesday, June 10, 2026 - 5:00am
Bookmobile Service Modification

Due to Driver availability, Bookmobile has the following schedule modifications for the month of June. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Bookmobile Service June Modifications 

Tuesday, June 30:              

  • Greencedar - Cancelled
  • Mountview - Cancelled

Wed, July 1: 

  • Library Closed - All Stops Cancelled 

Thurs, July 2:

  • Rockton Cancelled

  • Mohawk Gardens Cancelled

  • Meadowlands Cancelled

Fri, July 3:                    

  • Winona Cancelled

  • Queen Victoria Cancelled

Mon, July 6:                 

  • Special Event - All Stops Cancelled

Published:
Friday, May 22, 2026 - 12:00pm

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

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:

2026 Meeting dates: 

  • December 10, 2025
  • February 18, 2026 
  • March 11, 2026 
  • April 8, 2026  
  • May 20, 2026 
  • June 10, 2026 
  • September 16, 2026 
  • October 21, 2026 
  • November 18, 2026 
  • December 16, 2026  

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