April 28: National Day of Mourning

Monday, April 28 is the National Day of Mourning to remember and honour those who have died, been injured or suffered illness in the workplace. All HPL Branches will observe a minute of silence at 11am to honour their memories.

All Branches and Bookmobile Stops
Published:
Friday, April 25, 2025 - 9:00am
Westdale Branch: Polling Station

Monday, April 28 is Election Day in Canada. Westdale Branch is open 9:30am-9:30pm as a polling station. Please bring one piece of ID to vote. Please note there will be a minute of silence at 11am in honour of the National Day of Mourning.

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Published:
Friday, April 25, 2025 - 9:00am
City of Hamilton IT Maintenance

Due to City IT maintenance, HPL's catalogue and digital resources will not be available on Sunday, April 27 between midnight and 1am. We apologize for the inconvenience.

All Branches and Bookmobile Stops
Published:
Friday, April 25, 2025 - 9:00am
Extended Access at Freelton Branch Unavailable

Extended Access at Freelton Branch is not working. We aim to fix it quickly. Apologies for the inconvenience.

Published:
Thursday, April 24, 2025 - 12:00pm
Ancaster Branch - Temporary Closure, May 5-31

From Monday, May 5 to Saturday, May 31, the Ancaster Branch will be temporarily closed due to a roof and HVAC replacement. During this time, service hours will be available at the Ancaster Rotary Centre, 385 Jerseyville Road West, Ancaster. The last day to pick up your Holds is Thursday, May 1st. Thank you for your understanding.

www.hpl.ca/ancaster

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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
Barton Branch - Roof Repair

Due to the ongoing roof repair project, noise and parking disruptions will continue until April 25. Thank you for your patience.

Published:
Tuesday, April 8, 2025 - 3:30pm
Sherwood Branch - Basement Renovation

The first phase of renovations will begin at the Sherwood Branch from April 10 to May 2. During this time, noise disruptions may occur throughout the branch due to a basement renovation. Parking, access to the building, and collections will not be affected. Thank you for your patience. www.hpl.ca/sherwood

Published:
Monday, April 7, 2025 - 8:30am
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

Accessibility for Individuals with a Disability

Policy Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that the Hamilton Public Library provides library services, resources and facilities in ways that are accessible to persons with disabilities. It provides a framework for compliance with the requirements of the Ontarians with Disabilities Act (ODA) and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and addresses specific areas required by the Integrated Accessibility Standards regulation associated with the AODA. This Policy applies to all persons who provide library services including employees, volunteers and all other persons that provide goods, services or facilities on behalf of the Library.

Key Points Summary

  • The Hamilton Public Library is committed to providing Library services that are accessible to all persons who wish to obtain and use Library services. Library services will be relevant, inclusive and responsive to community needs. Each member of the community, including persons with disabilities, has an equal opportunity to use and/or to be employed by the Hamilton Public Library.  All library services will be provided in a manner that respects the dignity and independence of persons with disabilities. The Library will strive to provide library services in a way that meets the specific needs of persons with disabilities and in a way that is convenient and accessible to persons with disabilities.
  • The Hamilton Public Library will provide communication supports and accessible formats and it will incorporate accessibility design, criteria and features when procuring or acquiring goods, services or facilities, except where it is not practicable to do so.
  • The Hamilton Public Library is committed to providing employment accommodation processes for library employees and job applicants. The Library will notify its employees and the public about the availability of accommodation for job applicants and for employees with disabilities.
  • The Library will meet the accessibility needs of persons with disabilities in a timely manner. When communicating with a person with a disability, the Library will do so in a manner that takes into account the person’s disability.             

Definitions

  • Accessible formats” may include, but are not limited to, large print, recorded audio and electronic formats, braille and other formats usable by persons with disabilities.
  • “Assistive devices” are any products, instruments, equipment or technological aids used by persons with disabilities to help prevent, compensate, relieve or neutralize a disability. They may include Braille recorders, recording devices, Bliss symbolics boards or devices, and more.
  • A “barrier” is anything that prevents a person with a disability from fully participating in all aspects of society because of their disability, including a physical barrier, an architectural barrier, an information or communications barrier, an attitudinal barrier, a technological barrier, a policy or a practice.
  • “Communication supports” may include, but are not limited to, captioning, alternative and augmentative communication supports, plain language, sign language and other supports that facilitate effective communications.
  • "Disability" means:
    • any degree of physical disability, infirmity, malformation or disfigurement that is caused by bodily injury, birth defect or illness and, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, includes diabetes mellitus, epilepsy, a brain injury, any degree of paralysis, amputation, lack of physical co-ordination, blindness or visual impediment, deafness or hearing impediment, muteness or speech impediment, or physical reliance on a guide dog or other animal or on a wheelchair or other remedial appliance or device,
    • a condition of mental impairment or a developmental disability,
    • a learning disability, or a dysfunction in one or more of the processes involved in understanding or using symbols or spoken language,
    • a mental disorder, or
    • an injury or disability for which benefits were claimed or received under the insurance plan established under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997.
  • “Service animal” refers to an animal used by a person for reason relating to their disability. An animal is a service animal for a person with a disability if:
    • The animal can be readily identified as one that is being used by the person for reasons relating to the person’s disability, as a result of visual indicators such as the vest or harness worn by the animal; or
    • The person provides documentation from one of the following regulated health professionals confirming that the person requires the animal for reasons relating to the disability:
      • A member of the College of Registered Psychotherapists and Registered Mental Health Therapists of Ontario. O. Reg. 165/16, s. 16
      • A member of the College of Psychologists of Ontario; or
      • A member of the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario;
      • A member of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario;
      • A member of the College of Optometrists of Ontario;
      • A member of the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario;
      • A member of the College of Nurses of Ontario;
      • A member of the College of Chiropractors of Ontario;
      • A member of the College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario;
  • A “support person” in relations to a person with a disability, is another person who accompanies them in order to help with communication, mobility, personal care or medical needs or with access to goods, services or facilities.

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