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.
HPL's catalogue is not available from 5-10am on Sunday May 25 due to system maintenance. Thank you for your patience.
The Stoney Creek Arena and Millgrove Bookmobile visits on Saturday May 24 are cancelled. Apologies for the inconvenience.
Extended Access at the Freelton Branch is not working. Please visit during staffed hours. We aim to fix it quickly. Apologies for the inconvenience.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Historical Records of the City of Hamilton

Local History and Archives holds a collection of historical records generated by the City of Hamilton and its constituent departments from 1847 to approximately 2000. This collection also includes records from its predecessor entity, the Town of Hamilton from 1833 to 1846.
The Historical Records of the City of Hamilton collection is arranged into Record Groups in numerical sequence. They include the following: RG1 – Minutes; RG2 -- By-laws; RG3 – Committees; RG4 – Mayor; RG5 -- Board of Control; RG6 -- City Clerk; RG7 -- City Solicitor; RG8 – Treasury; RG9 – Assessment; RG10 – Police; RG11 – Fire; RG12 – Health; RG13 – Hospitals; RG14 – Personnel; RG15 – Building; RG16 -- Engineering and Works; RG17 -- Industrial Commissioner; RG18 – Parks; RG19 -- Culture and Recreation; RG20 – Architect; RG21 – Planning; RG22 – Traffic; RG23 -- Real Estate; RG24 -- Community Development; RG25 – Purchasing; RG26 – Property.
A detailed paper finding aid for this collection can be found in-person in the Local History and Archives reading room on the 3rd floor of the Central library. A new and updated guide to the Historical Records of the City of Hamilton is currently being prepared by staff and will be made available online when revisions are completed.