All Branches Closed August 2

All HPL Branches are closed on Sunday August 2, 2026. Bookmobile is off the road and Extended Access is unavailable. Our Virtual Branch is open at hpl.ca. www.hpl.ca/hours

Published:
Friday, July 31, 2026 - 9:00am
All Branches Closed for Civic Holiday

All HPL Branches are closed on Monday August 3, 2026 for Civic Holiday. Bookmobile is off the road and Extended Access is unavailable. Our Virtual Branch is open at hpl.ca. www.hpl.ca/hours

Published:
Friday, July 31, 2026 - 8:00am
Kenilworth Branch Accessible Washroom Out of Order

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

Published:
Thursday, July 30, 2026 - 5:45pm
New Loan Periods - Effective Monday, August 31

As of Monday, August 31, new loan periods will come into effect to shorten the wait time for popular hold items.

DVD Express - 3 days

DVDs and Blu-rays - 7 days (fiction, children's and languages) 

Magazines - 7 days

Bestseller Express - 14 days

DVDs and Blu-rays - 14 days (non-fiction and TV series)

Books - 21 days

Music/Books on CD and Children's Express - 21 days

Please visit www.hpl.ca/borrowing for more details.

Published:
Tuesday, July 28, 2026 - 2:30pm
Study Halls Pause for Summer Break

After Hours Study Hall is not available in July and August. Hours will resume Tuesday, September 8. www.hpl.ca/study-halls

Published:
Tuesday, June 23, 2026 - 3:00pm

Historical Records of the City of Hamilton

Records of the City of Hamilton
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.