Preview the New HPL.ca

We're excited to share a preview of the new HPL.ca before its official launch on September 15.

Explore the new site, discover updated navigation and get familiar with the improved online experience designed to make it easier to find Library services, programs, collections and information.

If you encounter an issue or have feedback, please let us know through our Contact Us page.

Published:
Wednesday, September 2, 2026 - 3:00pm
Kenilworth Branch - Parking Lot Not Available

Due to a fence replacement, the parking lot will be unavailable from September 7-9. Nearby street parking is available, as is an HSR route. Thank you for your patience. 

Published:
Wednesday, September 2, 2026 - 2:00pm
Concession Branch - Construction Updates

Due to a glass door installation for the new Makerspace area, Concession Branch will close at 1 pm on Thursday, September 3. It is expected to reopen to its regular hours with limited services on Friday, September 4. Stay tuned for continual updates.

www.hpl.ca/concession

Published:
Tuesday, September 1, 2026 - 8:00am
Labour Day - All HPL Branches Closed

All HPL Branches are closed on Sunday, September 6 and Labour Day, Monday, September 7. Bookmobile is off the road. Extended Access is not available. Regular service hours resume on Tuesday, September 8. 

Published:
Monday, August 31, 2026 - 2:45pm
Barton Branch - Construction in Area

Please note that Milton Avenue at Barton Street is under construction. Access to the parking lot is limited. Nearby street parking is available and an HSR route out front. Thank you for your patience.

Published:
Monday, August 31, 2026 - 2:30pm
Print on the Go Currently Unavailable

The Print on the Go service is not working at all Branches. We aim to fix it as soon as possible.

Published:
Thursday, August 27, 2026 - 12:30pm
Delayed Openings and Closures

Due to Staff training, the following service modifications are planned.

  • Turner Park: Wednesday, September 2, Noon-1 pm Closure
  • Red Hill: Friday, September 18, Delayed Opening of 10 am
  • Central Library: Tuesday, September 29, Delayed Opening of 10 am

Visit www.hpl.ca/hours for open alternate locations.

Published:
Tuesday, August 25, 2026 - 2:00pm
Bookmobile Schedule Modifications for September

Bookmobile has the following schedule modifications for September: 

Please visit www.hpl.ca/bookmobile for updates on service modifications.

Tuesday, September 8                  

  • Strathcona - Cancelled 
  • McMaster - Cancelled 

Thursday, September 10              

  • Rockton and Millgrove visits moved to Saturdays (Starting September 12) 

Saturday, September 12               

  • Stoney Creek - Cancelled 
  • Riverdale - Cancelled 

Thursday, September 17       

  • Mohawk Gardens - Cancelled 
  • Meadowlands - Cancelled 

Friday, September 18             

  • Winona - Cancelled 
  • Queen Victoria - Cancelled
Published:
Monday, August 24, 2026 - 9:30am
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

Maps

Map cabinet
Map cabinet

Fire Insurance Maps

These plans are valuable maps for building research. They are large scale maps that show shape, size and exact location of individual buildings. They provide detail about the construction materials, outbuildings and neighbourhoods.

1898: Local History & Archives (microfiche only) and the Lloyd Reeds Map Collection, McMaster University.

Revised to 1911 – Vol. 1, 2, 3: Local History & Archives (microfiche only) and Lloyd Reeds Map Collection, McMaster University.

1927 revised to 1947: Local History & Archives (incomplete)

1927 revised to 1933: Local History & Archives (complete)

Mid-1960’s – Vol. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5: Local History & Archives, Lloyd Reeds Map Collection, McMaster University.

Bird’s-eye View, Pictorial and Surveyor’s Maps

These types of map can show a building’s location within its neighbourhood and the city of Hamilton. These maps can also provide information about the layout of the city or town and changes in street names over the course of time.

1842 – surveyor’s map showing buildings

1854 – from the escarpment looking north

1859 – from the escarpment looking north

1876 – from the Bay looking south

1883 – from the escarpment looking north

1893 – from the Bay looking south

1909 – from the Bay looking south

1921 – surveyor’s maps showing buildings. Large versions are hanging in Local History & Archives. Smaller versions are available in the map collection.

Map inventories are available by date or by location.

Wentworth County Atlas

There were a series of detailed atlases created to document counties across Ontario. They can show locations of structures and other detail. Some buildings are also illustrated in the body of the atlas.

1875 – atlas stand

1903 – R912.7135 T985 CESH folio [note: fragile]

You can also search Historical Atlases on-line, a project hosted by McGill's Rare Books and Special Collections Division with indexed county atlas information.