Effective Sunday, February 1, Sunday service hours at Central Library will be paused.
Sunday Hours will continue at Red Hill, Terryberry, Turner Park, Valley Park and Waterdown Branches from 1-5pm.
Central Library - Sunday Hours Paused
Published:
Wednesday, January 21, 2026 - 11:00am
Central Library - Daily Hours Update
Starting Monday, February 2, Central Library's daily hours will move back to a 9 am opening instead of 8 am, Monday through Saturday. Please make note of this new service change for your next visit. www.hpl.ca/hours
Published:
Wednesday, January 21, 2026 - 11:00am
Central Library – Digital Microfilm Machines
The digital microfilm machines at Central Library are not working. A single analog machine is available in the Local History and Archives Reading Room. This reader does not support printing. We apologize for the inconvenience and aim to have the digital devices repaired as soon as possible.
Published:
Monday, January 19, 2026 - 1:45pm
Online Resources - Update
The following eResources have been recently discontinued in our HPL collections: Novelist, Summa, Summa Kids, and Northstar Digital Literacy. Please visit www.hpl.ca/articles/read-watch-listen for our full listing of online resources for your next read, watch, listen and/or learn.
Published:
Wednesday, January 7, 2026 - 11:00am
Printing Updates
Daily print balances for black and white and colour printing change January 2, 2026. The new daily print balance is 40 cents. Members receive four free black and white copies or two free colour copies.
Large format and vinyl printing pricing also change on January 2. Visit https://www.hpl.ca/makerspaces for updates.
Published:
Monday, December 22, 2025 - 2:00pm
Replacement and Damage Fees
Bring back your borrowed library items within 28 days to avoid a replacement or lost fee. We'll remove the fee when you bring back your overdue items.
Published:
Thursday, September 11, 2025 - 3:00pm
HPL Seeking Contributions to Hamilton COVID-19 Archive
HAMILTON, ON – June 19, 2020 – Hamilton Public Library’s Local History & Archives is creating a community archive to document our experiences during the pandemic.
WHAT: Send HPL your digital contributions of stories, photos, poems, art or anything else that represents your life in isolation. We all have a story to share about how this worldwide pandemic affected us. Collecting these experiences ensures future generations understand all aspects of the health crisis.
WHO: Hamiltonians of all ages are welcome to add their experiences and memories.
WHEN: The COVID-19 Archive launches today, Friday June 19.
WHERE: Visit Hamilton Public Library’s COVID-19 Archives webpage for more details and how to submit your contribution.
“The COVID-19 pandemic impacted all Hamilton residents, in so many ways — our health care, our schools, our workplaces, our community and family lives. Tell us and show us what your time looked and felt like,” says Paul Takala, Chief Librarian, Hamilton Public Library. “It’s only through history that we learn for the future.”
“The COVID-19 virus quickly brought the world to a halt for many – including Hamilton – starting with the province-wide shutdown in mid-March. Share how it affected you. Give future generations a clear understanding of this time,” adds Karen Milligan, manager of HPL’s Local History & Archives.
About the COVID-19 Archive
The COVID Archive ties with the Love Your City, Share Your Stories project. From a rich and robust history, to a wonderfully diverse community, everyone has a story. Love Your City, Share Your Stories is an ongoing digital project featuring stories about Hamilton and Hamiltonians – both past and present. When it started in 2015, it focused on four well-known cultural icons: music, libraries, Gore Park (fountain) and Tim Horton’s (coffee and donuts). Since then it has expanded to include stories about immigration and water. Now, we are adding your experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Many stories include images from Hamilton Public Library’s and McMaster University Library’s archival collections, as well as video and audio. We hope you share your story with us.
Love Your City, Share Your Stories is generously supported by the Hamilton Future Fund. Project partners include the City of Hamilton Culture Department, Hamilton Public Library and McMaster University Library.
