The accessible washroom at Ancaster Branch is not working. We aim to get it fixed quickly.
Ancaster Branch Accessible Washroom Out of Order
Published:
Friday, January 23, 2026 - 9:00am
Bookmobile Stops Cancelled
The Winona (11am-12pm) and Queen Victoira (3-4pm) Bookmobile stop on January 23 is cancelled. Apologies for this inconvenience.
Published:
Friday, January 23, 2026 - 8:30am
Cold Weather Alert for the City of Hamilton
Cold Weather Alert for the City of Hamilton January 22, 2026.
The temperature is expected to plummet below minus 15 Celsius. For warm place hours visit hpl.ca/hours.
For a list of shelters and health information visit www.hamilton.ca/cold.
Published:
Thursday, January 22, 2026 - 5:00pm
Locke Branch - Filming Nearby
Filming will take place at 86 Homewood Avenue from January 28-30, 7 am-11 pm. Production vehicles and equipment will be located on the north side of Stanley Avenue between Locke Street South and Kent Street. This will impact the availability of side-street parking. Thank you for your patience.
Published:
Thursday, January 22, 2026 - 3:00pm
Central Library - Sunday Hours Paused
Effective Sunday, February 1, Sunday service hours at Central Library will be paused.
Sunday Hours will continue at Dundas, Red Hill, Terryberry, Turner Park, Valley Park and Waterdown Branches from 1-5pm.
Published:
Wednesday, January 21, 2026 - 11:00am
Central Library - Daily Hours Update
Starting Monday, February 2, Central Library's daily hours will move back to a 9 am opening instead of 8 am, Monday through Saturday. Please make note of this new service change for your next visit. www.hpl.ca/hours
Published:
Wednesday, January 21, 2026 - 11:00am
Central Library – Digital Microfilm Machines
The digital microfilm machines at Central Library are not working. A single analog machine is available in the Local History and Archives Reading Room. This reader does not support printing. We apologize for the inconvenience and aim to have the digital devices repaired as soon as possible.
Published:
Monday, January 19, 2026 - 1:45pm
Online Resources - Update
The following eResources have been recently discontinued in our HPL collections: Novelist, Summa, Summa Kids, and Northstar Digital Literacy. Please visit www.hpl.ca/articles/read-watch-listen for our full listing of online resources for your next read, watch, listen and/or learn.
Published:
Wednesday, January 7, 2026 - 11:00am
Printing Updates
Daily print balances for black and white and colour printing change January 2, 2026. The new daily print balance is 40 cents. Members receive four free black and white copies or two free colour copies.
Large format and vinyl printing pricing also change on January 2. Visit https://www.hpl.ca/makerspaces for updates.
Published:
Monday, December 22, 2025 - 2:00pm
Replacement and Damage Fees
Bring back your borrowed library items within 28 days to avoid a replacement or lost fee. We'll remove the fee when you bring back your overdue items.
Published:
Thursday, September 11, 2025 - 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?
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.
