The Print on the Go service is not working at all Branches. We aim to fix it as soon as possible.
Print on the Go Currently Unavailable
Published:
Thursday, August 27, 2026 - 12:30pm
Network Maintenance, Sunday, August 30
From 5am to 11am, HPL's catalogue, library accounts and online resources will not be available due to technical network maintenance. We thank you in advance for your patience.
Published:
Thursday, August 27, 2026 - 8:00am
Concession Branch - Temporarily Reopening
Starting Thursday, August 27, the Branch has reopened to its regular hours with limited services for a few weeks while construction is paused. The interior construction of a new Makerspace will resume in mid-September. Stay tuned for more updates.
Published:
Thursday, August 27, 2026 - 8:00am
Delayed Openings and Closures
Due to Staff training, the following service modifications are planned.
- Turner Park: Wednesday, September 2, Noon-1 pm Closure
- Red Hill: Friday, September 18, Delayed Opening of 10 am
- Central Library: Tuesday, September 29, Delayed Opening of 10 am
Visit www.hpl.ca/hours for open alternate locations.
Published:
Tuesday, August 25, 2026 - 2:00pm
Bookmobile Schedule Modifications
Bookmobile has the following schedule modifications for September:
Mon, Sept 7: Library Closed - All Stops Cancelled
Tues, Sept 8:
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Strathcona Cancelled
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McMaster Cancelled
Thurs, Sept 10:
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Rockton moved to Saturday
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Millgrove moved to Saturday
Sat, Sept 12:
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Stoney Creek Cancelled
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Riverdale Cancelled
Published:
Monday, August 24, 2026 - 9:30am
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
Local History and Archives Policy
Policy Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to outline the mandate, scope and objectives of the Hamilton Public Library’s Local History and Archives collections and archival activities and the authority under which the department operates.
This policy articulates the key objectives with respect to the acquisition, preservation and access to materials in the Local History and Archives collections which will reflect the Mission Statement and Strategic Priorities of the Hamilton Public Library. The policy outlines process and expectation to assure transparency, accountability and preservation of trust.
Key Points Summary
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The library’s Local History and Archives Policy outlines the key principles and key objectives of the library’s archival collection development and access.
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The Local History and Archives Policy outlines the key criteria for the acquisition, access and reappraisal of archival materials.
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A central role of Local History and Archives is to collect, preserve and make accessible materials which illustrate the history of the Hamilton area and its peoples.
Definitions
Accession is the formal acceptance into custody and recording of an acquisition.
Acquisition is an addition to the holdings of a repository.
Archival Processing is the physical and intellectual control work done by archives employees to fully prepare archival materials for use, access and long-term preservation.
Deaccession is the removal of material from the holdings of a repository.
Digital Preservation is the management and protection of digital information to ensure authenticity, integrity, reliability, and long-term accessibility of digitized and born-digital information.
Digitization is the process of transforming analog information into digital form.
Preservation encompasses actions taken to extend the useable life of material and records by minimizing physical and chemical deterioration, preventing loss of information and ensuring continual access and use over time.
Reappraisal is the process of identifying material that no longer merits inclusion in a repository.
