Mount Hope Branch Accessibile Ramp Not Available

The accessibility ramp at Mount Hope Branch is damaged. The handrail is not available. The ramp will not be available while being repaired. We aim to fix it quickly.

1
Affected Branch: Mount Hope Branch
Published:
Friday, May 23, 2025 - 4:30pm
Extended Access at Freelton Branch Unavailable

Extended Access at the Freelton Branch is not working. Please visit during staffed hours. We aim to fix it quickly. Apologies for the inconvenience.

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Affected Branch: Freelton Branch
Published:
Thursday, May 22, 2025 - 2:45pm
Construction Work at Sherwood Branch

The Sherwood Branch has following service limitations due to construction:

  • 1st Floor closed to the public
  • 2nd Floor collections (teen, children, and graphic novels) available 
  • 2nd Floor: Limited browsing of Express Adult Fic and Express DVDs
  • Holds pickup on the 2nd Floor
  • Reduced number of public computers on 2nd Floor
  • Printing and copying available on 2nd Floor
  • Seating is reduced
  • Parking, washroom and elevator access available

Please refer to hpl.ca/events for up-to-date program listings. Most programs will continue as normal on the 2nd Floor or in the basement. 

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Affected Branch: Sherwood Branch
Published:
Thursday, May 15, 2025 - 2:30pm
All Branches Closed - May 30, Staff Professional Development

All HPL Branches are closed on Friday May 30 for Staff Development. Bookmobile is off the road and Extended Access is not available. HPL's online card registration, catalogue and eResources are not available until 5pm due to scheduled maintenance. All branches reopen Saturday May 31. 

All Branches and Bookmobile Stops
Published:
Monday, May 12, 2025 - 8:00am
Turner Park Branch - Roof Repair

Due to the ongoing roof repair project, noise and parking disruptions are expected to continue until the end of June. Thank you for your patience.

1
Affected Branch: Turner Park Branch
Published:
Monday, April 28, 2025 - 10:00am
Ancaster Branch - Temporary Relocation in May

Until Saturday May 31, the Ancaster Branch is temporarily relocated to the Ancaster Rotary Centre, 385 Jerseyville Road West, Ancaster. The Wilson Street branch is closed for a roof and HVAC replacement and is expected to reopen on Monday June 2 at 9:30am.

www.hpl.ca/ancaster

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Affected Branch: Ancaster Branch
Published:
Wednesday, April 16, 2025 - 11:00am
Central Library - Microfilm Machine

The digital microfilm machines at Central Library are not working. A single analog machine is available, but it doesn't print. We aim to have the digital devices repaired as soon as possible. We apologize for the inconvenience.

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Affected Branch: Central Library
Published:
Thursday, April 10, 2025 - 3:30pm
Phishing Scheme

Please be aware of online phishing attempts impersonating Hamilton Public Library and Library Staff. HPL does not solicit paid freelance opportunities through social media or other messaging applications. HPL does not request personal or banking information through social media or require financial compensation when reviewing job applications. Please report phishing schemes to communications@hpl.ca. If you think you are a victim of fraud, please call the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501.

All Branches and Bookmobile Stops
Published:
Thursday, April 3, 2025 - 10:30am

Learn English

 

Newcomer Learning Centre. Classes, programs and resources for newcomers to Canada. Funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.

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 1pm-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:

French Integration and Settlement Services are available at:

Videos

Watch a series of videos prepared by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, to help Newcomers settle.

 

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