Mount Hope Branch Accessibile Ramp Not Available

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.

Published:
Friday, May 23, 2025 - 4:30pm
Extended Access at Freelton Branch Unavailable

Extended Access at the Freelton Branch is not working. Please visit during staffed hours. We aim to fix it quickly. Apologies for the inconvenience.

Published:
Thursday, May 22, 2025 - 2:45pm
Construction Work at Sherwood Branch

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. 

Published:
Thursday, May 15, 2025 - 2:30pm
All Branches Closed - May 30, Staff Professional Development

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. 

All Branches and Bookmobile Stops
Published:
Monday, May 12, 2025 - 8:00am
Turner Park Branch - Roof Repair

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.

Published:
Monday, April 28, 2025 - 10:00am
Ancaster Branch - Temporary Relocation in May

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.

www.hpl.ca/ancaster

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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.

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Affected Branch: Central Library
Published:
Thursday, April 10, 2025 - 3:30pm
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

Newspapers

Weather sign on Spectator office
Weather sign on Spectator office

Hamilton Newspapers

Newspapers published in Hamilton, both current titles and those no longer published, are available on microfilm in the Local History & Archives Department. They include:

Hamilton Spectator, 1846 to present
Hamilton Times, 1859 to 1920
Hamilton Herald, 1889 to 1936
Hamilton News, 1947 to 1956

Hamilton Spectator Historical by ProQuest

Discover 175+ years of Hamilton news with your HPL card.

Spectator Image

ProQuest’s Hamilton Spectator Historical features scanned copies of Hamilton Spectator archives dating back to 1840.

See our Hamilton Spectator Historical collection on ProQuest  
Get help with Hamilton Spectator Historical

Community Newspapers

Local community newspapers, both current titles and those no longer published, are also available. They include:

Ancaster News
Dundas Star
Dundas Star News
East Hamilton Journal
Flamborough News
Flamborough Review
Glanbrook Advocate
Hamilton Journal
Hamilton Mountain News
Stoney Creek News
Waterdown Review
West Hamilton Journal

No appointment is necessary to view these newspapers. Staff are always available to help you with your search. Materials found on the microfilm readers can be saved to a USB drive. Printing is also available, for a fee.

 

Birth, Death, and Marriage Announcements 

Births, deaths, and marriages published in the Hamilton Spectator and some earlier newspapers have been transcribed, they include:

Gordon Allison Collection
Deaths, marriages and births published in the Hamilton Spectator from 1846 to 1899
Dundas Warder & County of Halton General Advertiser, 1847 to 1857
Early Marriage Notices East Flamborough Township, 1806 to 1859
Flamborough Marriage Records, 1794 to 1829
Flamborough Marriage Records, 1830 to 1834
Gore Gazette, March 2, 1827 to June 8, 1829
Hamilton Evening Times, February 7, 1859 to December 30, 1869
Hamilton Express & Free Press, 1836
Hamilton Express & Political & Commercial Journal, 1839
Hamilton Journal & Gore District Mercantile & Agricultural Intelligencer, 1839
Journal & Express, 1841 to 1853
Newspapers of the Western Gore, 1831 to 1859

To support your research, please refer to the Newspapers, Periodicals, and Serials Research Guide