Barton Branch is closed Tuesday, July 7, 9am-3pm due to a scheduled water shutdown for City construction work in the area.
Barton Branch - Closed Due to Water Disruption
Published:
Friday, July 3, 2026 - 2:45pm
Heat Warning Notification for the City of Hamilton
Heat Warning for the City of Hamilton.
Significant heat and humidity will arrive on Tuesday June 30.
For information about heat-related illnesses, cool place locations and reducing your risk, visit hamilton.ca.
Published:
Tuesday, June 30, 2026 - 9:00am
What's Happening Guide Changes
The What's Happening Guide has been retired and replaced with different communications channels and tactics. You can find the new Summer Reading Flyer here. Watch for future communications updates.
Published:
Monday, June 29, 2026 - 3:00pm
Sunday Hours Return to Central Library
Sunday hours return to Central Library. Beginning July 5, Central is open Noon to 5pm. Dundas, Red Hill, Terryberry, Turner Park, Valley Park and Waterdown branches are also open Sundays, 1 to 5pm. hpl.ca/hours
Published:
Monday, June 29, 2026 - 1:00pm
Carlisle Branch Accessible Door Out of Order
The accessibility door at Carlisle Branch is not working. We aim to fix it quickly.
Published:
Thursday, June 25, 2026 - 2:45pm
Study Halls Pause for Summer Break
After Hours Study Hall is not available in July and August. Hours will resume Tuesday, September 8. www.hpl.ca/study-halls
Published:
Tuesday, June 23, 2026 - 3:00pm
Construction at Barton Branch
The entrance to the Barton Branch's parking lot off Milton Street is currently inaccessible due to construction. Please use the alley entrance off Fullerton Street.
Published:
Wednesday, June 17, 2026 - 9:15am
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.
Published:
Wednesday, June 10, 2026 - 5:00am
Bookmobile Service Modification
Bookmobile Service Modifications
Fri Jul 3:
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Winona Cancelled
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Queen Victoria Cancelled
Mon Jul 6:
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Special Event - All Stops Cancelled
Published:
Friday, May 22, 2026 - 12:00pm
Children's Author Saumiya Balasubramaniam New Writer in Residence
HAMILTON, ON – Aug 27, 2025 — If the blank page in front of you is daunting or your story is stuck, Writer in Residence Saumiya Balasubramaniam is here to help.
As the 2025-26 Mabel Pugh Taylor Writer in Residence, Saumiya will provide insights and guidance to aspiring and established writers in person and virtually at McMaster University's Chester New Hall (Room 321) on Mondays 1-4pm and at Central Library Fridays 1:30-4:30pm, beginning September 12 to April 2026. The residency will also give Saumiya time to develop her works in progress.
You can meet Saumiya at a Welcome Reception on Thursday September 11 at 6:30pm at Central Library (55 York Blvd.).
Motherhood inspired the children's author to write When I Found Grandma, Two Drops of Brown in a Cloud of White and When I Visited Grandma. "My daughter grew up reading books with me, but as I read to her, I felt very strongly about the stories I wanted to tell," said Saumiya.
"We are happy to welcome Saumiya as our Writer in Residence and look forward to her engagement with the McMaster and Hamilton community," said Vivian Lewis, Associate Vice-President and University Librarian.
"Hamilton Public Library is proud to foster local writing talent through the annual program that provides wonderful opportunities for many writers," said HPL Manager of Adult Program Development, Erica Conly.
Writers of all levels and disciplines can reserve a consultation via Saumiya's booking webpage. She will host workshops and events at HPL throughout the year. Learn more at hpl.ca/writer-residence.
The Mabel Pugh Taylor Writer in Residence program, established in 1999, is a partnership with McMaster University's Department of English and Cultural Studies of the Faculty of Humanities, McMaster University Libraries and Hamilton Public Library. It is supported by the Taylor family.
