Modified Bookmobile Service - September 15-18

Bookmobile has the following schedule modifications. Thank you for your patience. 

Monday, September 15

  • Mohawk College, 12-1pm - Cancelled

Tuesday, September 16

  • Greencedar, 4-5pm - Cancelled

Wednesday, September 17

  • Helen Detwiler - Changed to 11-11:30am

Thursday, September 18

  • Meadowlands - Changed to 3:30-4pm
  • Bennetto - Changed to 4:45-5:30pm
 
 
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Affected Branch: Bookmobile
Nearest Branches: 
Published:
Friday, September 12, 2025 - 3:00pm
Replacement and Damage Fees Resume October 1st

To avoid a replacement or lost fee, please return library materials due October 1st or later within 28 days. Replacement fees are intended to encourage Members to return items on a timely basis so everyone in the community can enjoy them. 

https://www.hpl.ca/news/frequently-asked-questions

All Branches and Bookmobile Stops
Published:
Thursday, September 11, 2025 - 3:00pm
SuperCrawl - Road Closures near Central Library

From Thursday, September 11, until 5 am on Monday, September 15, road closures for SuperCrawl will be in effect in and around James Street North from King to Wilson/York to Cannon to Barton Street. Additional closures will take place on King William, Rebecca, Vine, Mulberry, Colbourne and Murray Streets. If you are planning to visit Central Library over the next few days, we suggest taking HSR for a convenient route to downtown Hamilton. www.hpl.ca/central

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Affected Branch: Central Library
Published:
Wednesday, September 10, 2025 - 10:30am
Central Library - Fourth Floor Temporary Closure

Central Library's Fourth Floor is closed on Tuesday, September 16, from Noon to 6 pm due to a special event. Makerspace and Newcomer Learning Centre will remain open. Floors 1-3 are available as study and work spaces. www.hpl.ca/central

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Affected Branch: Central Library
Published:
Wednesday, September 10, 2025 - 10:00am
Kenilworth Branch - Temporary Closure (Sept 2 - Oct 10)

Due to roof repair maintenance, the Branch is temporarily closed from September 2 until October 10. Please visit the Red Hill, Parkdale, and Barton locations as your nearest branches for your library needs. On August 28-29, there may be some noise disruptions and limited parking spots while the roof repair set-up begins. Thank you for your patience.

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Published:
Monday, August 11, 2025 - 8:00am

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

  • The library’s Local History and Archives Policy outlines the key principles and key objectives of the library’s archival collection development and access. 

  • The Local History and Archives Policy outlines the key criteria for the acquisition, access and reappraisal of archival materials.

  • 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. 

 

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