Preview the New HPL.ca

We're excited to share a preview of the new HPL.ca before its official launch on September 15.

Explore the new site, discover updated navigation and get familiar with the improved online experience designed to make it easier to find Library services, programs, collections and information.

If you encounter an issue or have feedback, please let us know through our Contact Us page.

Published:
Tuesday, September 1, 2026 - 3:00pm
Heat Warning Notification for the City of Hamilton

Heat Warning for the City of Hamilton.

Significant heat and humidity will arrive on Tuesday, September 1.

For information about heat-related illnesses, cool place locations and reducing your risk, visit hamilton.ca/heat.

Published:
Tuesday, September 1, 2026 - 2:45pm
Ancaster Branch Elevator Out of Order

The elevator at Ancaster Branch is not working. We're working to get it fixed quickly.

Published:
Tuesday, September 1, 2026 - 12:00pm
Concession Branch - Construction Updates

Due to a glass door installation for the new Makerspace area, Concession Branch will close at 1 pm on Thursday, September 3. It is expected to reopen to its regular hours with limited services on Friday, September 4. Stay tuned for continual updates.

www.hpl.ca/concession

Published:
Tuesday, September 1, 2026 - 8:00am
Labour Day - All HPL Branches Closed

All HPL Branches are closed on Sunday, September 6 and Labour Day, Monday, September 7. Bookmobile is off the road. Extended Access is not available. Regular service hours resume on Tuesday, September 8. 

Published:
Monday, August 31, 2026 - 2:45pm
Barton Branch - Construction in Area

Please note that Milton Avenue at Barton Street is under construction. Access to the parking lot is limited. Nearby street parking is available and an HSR route out front. Thank you for your patience.

Published:
Monday, August 31, 2026 - 2:30pm
Print on the Go Currently Unavailable

The Print on the Go service is not working at all Branches. We aim to fix it as soon as possible.

Published:
Thursday, August 27, 2026 - 12:30pm
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 for September

Bookmobile has the following schedule modifications for September: 

Please visit www.hpl.ca/bookmobile for updates on service modifications.

Tuesday, September 8                  

  • Strathcona - Cancelled 
  • McMaster - Cancelled 

Thursday, September 10              

  • Rockton and Millgrove visits moved to Saturdays (Starting September 12) 

Saturday, September 12               

  • Stoney Creek - Cancelled 
  • Riverdale - Cancelled 

Thursday, September 17       

  • Mohawk Gardens - Cancelled 
  • Meadowlands - Cancelled 

Friday, September 18             

  • Winona - Cancelled 
  • Queen Victoria - 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

PreVIEW

1. What is included in PreVIEW?

2. How can I access the original photograph, print, etc.?

3. Can I download a higher quality image?

4. What can I do with the image once I have saved it?

5. Who owns the copyright?

6. I can’t find an image I’m looking for, who can I ask?

7. Why did the Hamilton Public Library create PreVIEW?

 

1. What is included in PreVIEW?

Local History & Archives has a description of each collection. Many of these descriptions are available online. HPL's photograph collections are divided alphabetically, from A-C to D-Z.

 

2. How can I access the original photograph, print, etc.?

All of the original photographs, prints and negatives are in the collections of the Local History & Archives Department of the Hamilton Public Library. They are only available in the department. Visit the Local History & Archives Department during our hours of service.

 

3. Can I download a higher quality image?

The images on the PreVIEW website are low resolution files in jpg format. High resolution images are now available for purchase.

 

4. What can I do with the image once I have saved it?

Please see LH&A's photograph Terms of Use for more information, including how to properly credit your use of an image.

 

5. Who owns the copyright?

Please see LH&A's photograph Terms of Use for more information on copyright for the original and digital images.

 

6. I can’t find an image I’m looking for, who can I ask?

If you cannot find the image you are looking for, call the information desk at the Local History & Archives Department. (905-546-3408). Staff there will be able to check our other photographic resources to see if that image exists.

 

7. Why did the Hamilton Public Library create PreVIEW?

Digitization enables the preservation and conservation of the Local History & Archives Department’s image collections, and affirms a responsibility to protect rare materials, yet at the same time make them publicly accessible. The Hamilton Public Library recognizes its role as guardian of the historical legacy of Hamilton and its surrounding areas and steward of these important resources so that they are publicly accessible.