Bookmobile - Delayed Service
The Stoney Creek Arena Bookmobile visit will be a bit late to the 10:30am scheduled stop today, Saturday, September 14. Thank you for your understanding.
Ancaster Branch USB Printing Unavailable
Printing is currently unavailable at our Ancaster Branch. We are working to fix the issue. Thank you for your understanding.
Central Library - Supercrawl Temporary Road Closures
If you are planning to visit Central Library, please take into account the following temporary road closures and consider taking HSR or other forms of transit.
Thursday, September 12 at 7 pm until Monday, September 16 at 5 am: York Boulevard, Bay Street to Hughson Street
Thursday, September 12 at 1:30 am until Monday, September 16 at 5 am: James Street North, King Street to Strachan Street
Red Hill Branch USB Printing Unavailable
Printing is currently unavailable at Red Hill Branch. We are working to fix the issue. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Sherwood Branch - Parking Lot Access
Starting Thursday, September 5th, the rear parking lot at the Sherwood Branch will be closed due to repaving. Accessible parking spaces at the branch will be unavailable. Members may park at the neighboring plaza where spots are available during the closure.
The accessible ramp at the front of the branch (Upper Ottawa Street) and the drop box at the rear will both remain available.
Thank you for your patience.
Terryberry Branch: Open with Modified Hours During Construction
UPDATED: From September 3 - 19, the Terryberry Branch will be OPEN with modified service hours due to construction.
Monday - Thursday: 5 - 8 pm
Study Hall: 8 pm - Midnight (resumes September 3)
Friday, September 6 and 13: Closed
Saturday: 9 am - 5 pm
Sunday: 1 - 5 pm
The parking lot, including accessible spots, will remain available.
Members may visit the Concession and Turner Park Branches as their next nearest locations for their library needs.
Learn English
The Newcomer Learning Centre is on the 4th Floor of Central Library.
It has books, CDs and DVDs for Learners and Tutors.
Anyone with a HPL card can borrow Newcomer Learning Centre materials.
To speak with staff, call 905-546-3444 or email nlc@hpl.ca.
Newcomer Learning Centre Desk Hours:
Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 10am-4pm
Wednesday 1-7pm
Friday 10am-1pm
Select Saturdays.
Newcomer Learning Centre Programs
Proof of Permanent Residency or a Protected Person status is requested in advance of participating in any Newcomer Learning Centre program.
English Tutoring:
Practise English with a tutor in-person, online or both. Meet twice a week for one to two hours. To join, complete the English Tutoring Request Form.
To volunteer with Newcomers to Canada, please complete our Volunteer English Tutor Application.
English for Seniors Online or In-Person:
Learn English with other seniors age 55 and older, in a small class.
Online classes are Mondays and Wednesdays, 9:30-10:30am.
In-person classes are Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:30 to 10:30am.
Newcomer Book Club:
Chat about a book, learn new vocabulary and meet friends. Offered four times per year.
Human Library for Newcomers:
Learn about the life journeys of others in Canada and about Canadian culture through short conversations with a settled immigrant or long-time Canadian. Offered twice per year.
In-Person Conversation Circles:
Practise English in-person, in a group setting. Topics are tailored to the needs of students. Conversation Circles meet Thursdays 3:30-4:30pm.
Information Sessions:
Information sessions are hosted throughout the year. Themes include employment, credential evaluation, volunteering, employee/tenant rights and more. Ten sessions offered per year.
Visit Newcomers Events for more information.
Language Assessment and Settlement Services
English language assessment and settlement services are available at:
French language assessment is available at:
- Language Assessment Services - Peel Halton Dufferin - Achēv (achev.ca)
- Collège Boréal (collegeboreal.ca)
French Integration and Settlement Services are available at:
- Centre de santé communautaire Hamilton/Niagara: https://www.cschn.ca/services-aux-nouveaux-arrivants/
- Additional newcomer supports in Hamilton can be found through the Hamilton Immigration Partnership Council (HIPC) at: https://newcomersinhamilton.ca/
Videos