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.
HPL's catalogue is not available from 5-10am on Sunday May 25 due to system maintenance. Thank you for your patience.
The Stoney Creek Arena and Millgrove Bookmobile visits on Saturday May 24 are cancelled. Apologies for the inconvenience.
Extended Access at the Freelton Branch is not working. Please visit during staffed hours. We aim to fix it quickly. Apologies for the inconvenience.
The Sherwood Branch has following service limitations due to construction:
- 1st Floor closed to the public
- 2nd Floor collections (teen, children, and graphic novels) available
- 2nd Floor: Limited browsing of Express Adult Fic and Express DVDs
- Holds pickup on the 2nd Floor
- Reduced number of public computers on 2nd Floor
- Printing and copying available on 2nd Floor
- Seating is reduced
- Parking, washroom and elevator access available
Please refer to hpl.ca/events for up-to-date program listings. Most programs will continue as normal on the 2nd Floor or in the basement.
All HPL Branches are closed on Friday May 30 for Staff Development. Bookmobile is off the road and Extended Access is not available. HPL's online card registration, catalogue and eResources are not available until 5pm due to scheduled maintenance. All branches reopen Saturday May 31.
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.
Until Saturday May 31, the Ancaster Branch is temporarily relocated to the Ancaster Rotary Centre, 385 Jerseyville Road West, Ancaster. The Wilson Street branch is closed for a roof and HVAC replacement and is expected to reopen on Monday June 2 at 9:30am.
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.
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.
Murders in Hamilton

When Hamilton was first settled, the most pressing issue was what to do about crime in the area. The area's first court house was built in 1817 and it included cells in the lower half of the building for use as a jail. The next courthouse/jail was constructed in the mid 1820s and opened for business in 1827. The street behind this building was known as Tyburn Street after the street of execution in London, England.
After the police village of Hamilton was created in 1833 the very first item of business dealt with by the board was a complaint by High Bailiff John Ryckman about a citizen driving his horses furiously, endangering children. There was an early form of police force from that point on to enforce the laws of the city and the county. A Board of Police Commissioners was formed in 1872 to oversee the operation of a professional police department. They dealt with all complaints including the most serious complaint, murder. The earliest murder documented in the Hamilton area was in 1801 and the murderess became the first woman ever hanged in Ontario.
An extensive list of murder victims in Hamilton is available.*
*Please note that this list no longer actively updated. The most recent entries available are from 2013 and earlier.