Online Resources/HPL Catalogue - Monday, August 4, Civic Holiday

On Monday, August 4, Civic Holiday, due to IT network maintenance, HPL's catalogue will be searchable, but Holds and Library accounts, as well as online resources, will not be available. However, WiFi will remain accessible. We apologize for the inconvenience.

All Branches and Bookmobile Stops
Published:
Wednesday, July 30, 2025 - 3:00pm
Internet outage at Lynden Branch

The internet at Lynden Branch is not working. We aim to have it fixed quickly.

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Published:
Wednesday, July 30, 2025 - 9:00am
All Branches Closed for Civic Holiday

All branches close on Sunday, August 3, 2025 and August 4, 2025 for the Civic Holiday. This includes branches with Extended Access.

All Branches and Bookmobile Stops
Published:
Monday, July 28, 2025 - 10:30am
Heat Warning Notification for the City of Hamilton

Heat Warning for the City of Hamilton.

Significant heat and humidity will arrive on July 27.

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

All Branches and Bookmobile Stops
Published:
Sunday, July 27, 2025 - 11:00am
Modified Bookmobile Service 

The following Bookmobile visits are modified on:

Tuesday, July 29

  • Riverdale - Cancelled
  • McMaster - Holds drop off only
  • Greencedar - Rescheduled to 4:30-5:00pm

Wednesday, July 30

  • Swansea and Helen Detwiler - Cancelled

Thursday, July 31

  • Bennetto and Kinsmen - Cancelled

Friday, August 1

  • Winona Park - Cancelled

 

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Affected Branch: Bookmobile
Nearest Branches: 
Published:
Friday, July 25, 2025 - 9:30am
Terryberry Branch Elevator Out of Order

The parking lot elevator at Terryberry Branch is not working. Members will need to use the accessible ramp at the Mohawk entrance and the inner elevator. We're working to get it fixed quickly.

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Published:
Saturday, May 31, 2025 - 1:00pm
Public Computers - Audio Volume

Please note that the audio volume levels on our public computers are having issues. The estimated time of disruption is unknown at this time. Thank you for your patience.

All Branches and Bookmobile Stops
Published:
Thursday, May 29, 2025 - 4:00pm
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

History of City Hall

Town Hall on King William Street
Town Hall on King William Street

One of the other priorities on incorporation had been the creation of a market in a suitable location. The first location chosen proved to be unsuitable, and by 1837 the "Market Question" was a topic of conversation in town meetings. Upon the motion of Mr. Jackson, seconded by Mr. Gilbert, it was resolved that "from the inconvenience arising from the present location of the market, - "being at one extremity of the town, and the difficulty of access during the wet seasons, and a general dislike shown by the inhabitants to attend the same - it is found expedient to erect a second market in [a] more central situation, where the inhabitants would find it more easy of access, during the bad state of the roads, and more general accommodation afforded as well to the people of the town as the country" (6). 

A letter was read from the Messrs. Stinson containing an offer for ground for the proposed new market, which would be placed on their property at King William and Hughson Streets (7). The board decided to advertise for plans for a market house and "[i]t was ordered that it should be advertised in the three papers published in this town, that the Board is ready to receive contracts and plans, for a market building to be erected on the corner of James and York Streets, of brick or stone, measuring 50 feet by 90 feet with a hall above the market place and cellars under the whole" (8). 

William Hardy's plan was chosen, with the board awarding "the premium of £7/10/2 to Mr. Wm. Hardy for the best plan of the new market house".  They also awarded £O/25/0 to Messrs. Tassie and Shenton each for their plans (9). Tenders were to be given in by May 29 (10). There was a slight delay in the construction due to the Rebellion (11) but by February of 1839 the Board was ordering "[t]hat Messrs. Gilbert, Bradly, Daily and Carpenter be appointed to examine the work done to the new market by Mr. Hardy to see if it had been done according to contract" (12).  Mr. Hardy was eventually paid a total of £2,017/15/0 for the contract (13). The Board then moved into the Market Hall to hold their meetings. They outfitted it by moving the furniture from the old meeting place to the Hall (14).