April 28: National Day of Mourning

Monday, April 28 is the National Day of Mourning to remember and honour those who have died, been injured or suffered illness in the workplace. All HPL Branches will observe a minute of silence at 11am to honour their memories.

All Branches and Bookmobile Stops
Published:
Friday, April 25, 2025 - 9:00am
Westdale Branch: Polling Station

Monday, April 28 is Election Day in Canada. Westdale Branch is open 9:30am-9:30pm as a polling station. Please bring one piece of ID to vote. Please note there will be a minute of silence at 11am in honour of the National Day of Mourning.

1
Published:
Friday, April 25, 2025 - 9:00am
City of Hamilton IT Maintenance

Due to City IT maintenance, HPL's catalogue and digital resources will not be available on Sunday, April 27 between midnight and 1am. We apologize for the inconvenience.

All Branches and Bookmobile Stops
Published:
Friday, April 25, 2025 - 9:00am
Extended Access at Freelton Branch Unavailable

Extended Access at Freelton Branch is not working. We aim to fix it quickly. Apologies for the inconvenience.

Published:
Thursday, April 24, 2025 - 12:00pm
Ancaster Branch - Temporary Closure, May 5-31

From Monday, May 5 to Saturday, May 31, the Ancaster Branch will be temporarily closed due to a roof and HVAC replacement. During this time, service hours will be available at the Ancaster Rotary Centre, 385 Jerseyville Road West, Ancaster. The last day to pick up your Holds is Thursday, May 1st. Thank you for your understanding.

www.hpl.ca/ancaster

1
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.

1
Affected Branch: Central Library
Published:
Thursday, April 10, 2025 - 3:30pm
Barton Branch - Roof Repair

Due to the ongoing roof repair project, noise and parking disruptions will continue until April 25. Thank you for your patience.

Published:
Tuesday, April 8, 2025 - 3:30pm
Sherwood Branch - Basement Renovation

The first phase of renovations will begin at the Sherwood Branch from April 10 to May 2. During this time, noise disruptions may occur throughout the branch due to a basement renovation. Parking, access to the building, and collections will not be affected. Thank you for your patience. www.hpl.ca/sherwood

Published:
Monday, April 7, 2025 - 8:30am
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

LH&A Collections Policy

The Local History & Archives collection exists to:

  • collect and preserve materials which illustrate the growth and development of Hamilton-Wentworth, both before and after incorporation, or which pertain in whole or in part to activities within the geographic boundaries of Hamilton-Wentworth;
  • arrange and describe these materials according to archival principles and make them accessible to the general public on a regular basis, unless access is restricted by legal requirements or written agreement with the donor;
  • provide adequate and appropriate conditions for the storage, protection and preservation of archival material;
  • provide regular reference services to individuals, organizations, the municipal government, or other groups interested in the activities and holdings of the Archives;
  • provide educational and outreach programming whenever possible to increase public awareness of Hamilton-Wentworth's history and development.

Material acquired by Local History & Archives shall become the permanent property of the Archives and, therefore, the Hamilton Public Library, until such time as the Archivist deems it not longer relevant to the Archives, in which case the material may be deaccessioned. Deaccessioning will not take place without the written approval of the department head responsible for the Archives. All information pertaining to the deaccessioning and disposition of material will be retained in the Archives' records.

The Archives retains the right to reproduce materials by mechanical, electronic, or photographic means for security, conservation, or research purposes.

The Archives will accept historical material of any medium, including: textual records; photographs and other visual records; maps, plans and architectural records; and sound recordings and oral history tapes. The Archives will only accept books, printed materials, artifacts and electronically stored data at the discretion of the Department Head or Archivist.

The Archives retains the right to charge for any reproduction or other research service. A schedule of fees will be made available to the general public on a regular basis.

The Archives will only accept material on a permanent basis, except when borrowing material for short-term loans to reproduce or to include in displays or exhibits.

Materials from the Archives may be loaned to other institutions or organizations only under the following circumstances:

  • written authorization is obtained from the Manager, Local History & Archives (or designate)
  • the borrower ensures adequate care and handling of the material on loan. If at any time the Archives determines that the material on loan is not being cared for adequately, the Manager or Archivist may cancel the loan and request the immediate return of the material.

No person shall be prevented from using archival materials unless is it determined that the materials will be physically abused or used in a libelous or illegal manner.

 

Manager, Local History & Archives

Hamilton Public Library

55 York Blvd.

Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

L8N 4E4