The elevator at Kenilworth Branch is not working. We're working to get it fixed quickly.
The Seasonal Affective Disorder therapy lamp on the 2nd floor at Central Library is out of order. The estimated time of disruption is unknown at this time. For more locations, please visit Light Therapy Lamps | HPL.
Starting March 30, renovations for the 2nd floor Central Children's Area will begin. Programs will still be offered as scheduled and there will be a temporary pop-up Children’s Area on the northeast side of the 2nd floor (near the Piano Room), including access to collections and train tables. Thank you for your patience during this time.
Due to driver availability, Bookmobile is off the road for the following. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Tuesday, March 24
McMaster 3:30-4:30pm - Cancelled
Greencedar 4:30-5pm (instead of 4-5pm)
Wednesday, March 26
Rockton 10:30-11:30am - Cancelled
Meadowlands 3:30-4pm - Cancelled
Bennetto 5-5:30pm (instead of 4-5:30pm)
Starting Monday, March 16, adults 18+ are required to show their Library card to access Central Library. This is a temporary measure to ensure safety for all. Thank you for your patience in advance.
A Children's area activity table, including the children's computers at Concession Branch are unavailable due to a facility issue. We aim to fix them as soon as possible.
HPL's original phone number is back in service. Please call 905-546-3200. The 289-779-7588 number, created due to the 2024 cybersecurity incident, is also working.
From March 23 until April 12, Valley Park Community Centre will be closed for renovations, reopening April 13. Pool and changerooms will remain closed until early summer 2026.
Valley Park Branch will remain open during the renovations for your library needs.
As of Monday, March 2, Concession Branch's Living Room and Makerspace areas are closed. (The next nearest Makerspaces are Sherwood and Terryberry Branches.) Seating may be limited at times. Renovations are expected to be completed in late Spring. Thank you for your patience.
As of Monday, March 2, Sherwood Branch's 2nd floor is closed due to renovations. Makerspace, Children and Teen's collection are temporarily available on the 1st floor. All programs will be held in the basement program room. Renovations are expected to be completed in late Spring. Thank you for your patience.
The accessible washroom at Carlisle Branch is not working. We aim to get it fixed quickly.
Children's Author Saumiya Balasubramaniam New Writer in Residence
HAMILTON, ON – Aug 27, 2025 — If the blank page in front of you is daunting or your story is stuck, Writer in Residence Saumiya Balasubramaniam is here to help.
As the 2025-26 Mabel Pugh Taylor Writer in Residence, Saumiya will provide insights and guidance to aspiring and established writers in person and virtually at McMaster University's Chester New Hall (Room 321) on Mondays 1-4pm and at Central Library Fridays 1:30-4:30pm, beginning September 12 to April 2026. The residency will also give Saumiya time to develop her works in progress.
You can meet Saumiya at a Welcome Reception on Thursday September 11 at 6:30pm at Central Library (55 York Blvd.).
Motherhood inspired the children's author to write When I Found Grandma, Two Drops of Brown in a Cloud of White and When I Visited Grandma. "My daughter grew up reading books with me, but as I read to her, I felt very strongly about the stories I wanted to tell," said Saumiya.
"We are happy to welcome Saumiya as our Writer in Residence and look forward to her engagement with the McMaster and Hamilton community," said Vivian Lewis, Associate Vice-President and University Librarian.
"Hamilton Public Library is proud to foster local writing talent through the annual program that provides wonderful opportunities for many writers," said HPL Manager of Adult Program Development, Erica Conly.
Writers of all levels and disciplines can reserve a consultation via Saumiya's booking webpage. She will host workshops and events at HPL throughout the year. Learn more at hpl.ca/writer-residence.
The Mabel Pugh Taylor Writer in Residence program, established in 1999, is a partnership with McMaster University's Department of English and Cultural Studies of the Faculty of Humanities, McMaster University Libraries and Hamilton Public Library. It is supported by the Taylor family.








