Hamilton, Ontario – December 7, 2018 – The Hamilton Public Library will assume responsibility for The Red Book, as Information Hamilton’s Board of Directors has decided to wind down operations in early 2019. 

Information Hamilton manages The Red Book of Hamilton directory which consists of more than 4,000 records of community and government services. Information Hamilton also responds to parents, caregivers and service providers via the Early Years Information Line, specializing in providing child-related information relevant to children from birth to age twelve.

The non-profit community agency, located in the Central Library, has connected Hamilton residents to community services since 1970.

“Information Hamilton has a long history of serving the people of the City and making connections between residents and community organizations. We’re pleased that our technological advancements in recent years allow us to transfer our information and resources to the Library for them to develop and enhance,” says Pauline Kajiura, Executive Director, Information Hamilton. “As our time as an organization comes to a close, we are proud of our past and our contribution to building a stronger Hamilton.”

The Hamilton Public Library is committed to ensuring access to The Red Book database is maintained. Over the next few months, the Library will work with Information Hamilton staff, the City of Hamilton, and other key stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition. The Early Years Information Line will be redirected to 546-CITY, the City’s phone line for resident inquiries about City programs and services.

“Over the next few months, the Library will work with its partners on an orderly transition. Later in 2019 HPL will undertake a review of the scope of the information contained in The Red Book to ensure it does not duplicate other information sources available to the public,” explains Paul Takala, CEO and Chief Librarian, Hamilton Public Library. “While the new scope may be more focused, the bottom line is we need to ensure access to information about Hamilton services is enhanced by this transition.”

"Like the Library, Information Hamilton has long-served the people of this City by connecting them with the services and resources they need,” Library Board Chair, Lori-Anne Spence Smith remarks. "I want to extend a thank you to the staff, Board members and volunteers of Information Hamilton. You have helped people navigate services, often during personal stress. We should not underestimate the impact this has had.”

“As our community grows and changes, we need to best adapt and enhance our services. Information Hamilton’s resources will help us to continue to connect people and the organizations that best serve them,” says Takala. “Our communities continue to request more information and resources from their Library, and with this, we are able to deliver.”

About Hamilton Public Library

The Hamilton Public Library is a vibrant hub for information and culture, providing our diverse community the Freedom to Discover. Discover something new at our 22 locations, two bookmobiles, or through our extensive digital collections. We have books, music, DVDs, video games and programs for all ages; including our Visiting Library Service, for those who can't make it in to our branches. Since 1914, Hamilton Public Library has been collecting and preserving Hamilton's history. Local History & Archives continues to tell our residents' stories. Visit us online at hpl.ca. Connect with us on Twitter @hamiltonlibrary and Facebook at HamiltonPublicLibrary.

 

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Media Contact

Shelley McKay
Communications Manager
Hamilton Public Library
w. 905.546.3200 x5934
smckay@hpl.ca