All HPL Branches are closed on Sunday, May 18, and Victoria Day, Monday, May 19. Bookmobile is off the road. Extended Access and Study Hall services are not available. Our Virtual Branch is open at hpl.ca.
On Tuesday, May 13, a fire drill will be held at 11 am at Central Library. You may visit the Barton or Locke Branches as alternate locations for your library needs. Thank you for your understanding.
Due to the ongoing roof repair project, noise and parking disruptions are expected to continue until the end of June. Thank you for your patience.
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.
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.
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
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.
Local History and Archives Rules of Use

The following is an outline of the member's responsibilities in partnering with staff to preserve the Local History and Archives (LHA) collection.
The LHA Reading Room is designated as a quiet study area. Seating priority will be given to individuals using material from the collections of LHA. We ask that you please conduct phone or group conversations outside of the room. Staff will be happy to direct you to an appropriate area.
Researchers are reminded that they are working with historical records, which are unique and often fragile. Please adhere to the following requirements while handling this material:
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A maximum of six containers or volumes will be supplied at one time
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Please do not remove any materials from the Reading Room
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Please consult with a staff member prior to photocopying documents
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Disable flash functionality on your digital camera prior to taking photographs
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For preservation reasons, the use of digital scanners is prohibited
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With the exception of bottled water in a covered container, eating and drinking are not permitted in the Reading Room; this includes chewing gum and candy.
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No marks of any kind are to be made on any of the material. Please use pencils to take notes.
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Please avoid placing notepads on top of materials or leaning directly on archival records. Tracing maps or other records, or the use of “post-it” or other self-sticking notes, staples or paper clips on archival records is not permitted.
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Please leave archival records flat on the table surface as much as possible. Avoid letting records overhang past the table's edge.
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Please handle records carefully and deliberately with both hands to ensure the safety of the record. We advise moving the records by sliding them from one pile to another.
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Please use the white cotton gloves provided when handling non-textual materials.
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It is imperative that the order of the archival records you are using remains intact. Please do not change the order of the files within a container, or items within a file.
Please consult with LHA staff if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you for using the Hamilton Public Library.