HAMILTON, ON – June 11, 2020 – To keep Hamilton reading, listening and watching, while taking precautionary public health measures, Hamilton Public Library (HPL) is offering take-out (curbside) service of on-hold books, music and movies, starting June 23, 2020.  

Customers are encouraged to check their library accounts starting the week of June 15, to adjust any holds they’ve read/listened to over the pause. Customers have the opportunity to pick up holds placed before March 14 and over the pause, as well as add new holds to their account. Customers can adjust holds by logging in at hpl.ca or calling 905.546.3200 for assistance. Customers are notified when their holds are ready.

Central Library, as well as Red Hill, Terryberry and Dundas branches, are the first four locations to offer take-out service. Pick-up appointments begin June 23, 2020 and can be scheduled 11:30am - 6:30pm Tuesday through Thursday or 11:30am - 4:30pm Friday and Saturday. When customers receive notice their holds are ready for pick up, they can then reserve a pick-up time online at hpl.ca/takeout or by calling 905.546.3200.

A HPL library card and personal identification number (PIN) is needed to reserve and pick up items. Library customers are also able to schedule and pick up holds for two family members/friends during their appointment. Step-by-step instructions on how-to pick up holds are available at hpl.ca/takeout. 

"While we know many residents have utilized our enhanced online services and collections, we understand Hamilton residents miss their library and we thank you for your patience. The take-out service provides customers new materials while putting in place safety precautions to slowly reopen," said Paul Takala, Hamilton Public Library's Chief Librarian. "It’s vital to keep reading, watching and learning, while maintaining our community’s health and safety. We are in this together."

Customers are encouraged to book a pick-up appointment to maintain physical distancing. Staff will not accept returned items at pick-up appointments. Please put your return items in the Library drop boxes. Returned items are held for 72 hours to ensure customer and staff safety. Staff wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when handling materials. Branches remain closed. Wi-Fi is available outside of all branches.

Customers and staff are asked to maintain physical distancing. Hand-sanitizing stations are available at the four take-out branches.

We are working on opening more branches in the next phase of reopening: Ancaster, Kenilworth, Saltfleet, Sherwood, Turner Park and Waterdown branches. All locations will eventually be open for this service when enhanced cleaning and other safety protocols are in place. In the coming weeks, we will provide additional information about our phased reopening plan and will continue to work with the City of Hamilton and Public Health. Our highest priority is keeping residents and staff safe.

Hamilton Public Library offers online resources, programming and services 24/7 at hpl.ca. Library staff are available by phone (905.546.3200), email (AskHPL@hpl.ca) and chat at hpl.ca.