Westdale Branch - Public Computers, Printing and Sorter Unavailable
Public computers, Printing, and the Sorter are currently unavailable at Westdale branch. We are currently working to fix this issue. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Central and Turner Park Branch - Large Format Printer Unavailable
The large format printer in the Makerspace is currently unavailable. Please utilize our other Makerspace locations if needed. We will advise once it is restored to service.
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.
Archives
Hamilton Public Library Archives
This collection is the record of the history of the Hamilton Public Library itself. One of the earliest Public Libraries in Ontario, the Hamilton Public Library its 125th anniversary in 2015. The collection consists of minute books from 1889 to the present, committee minutes, photographs, architectural plans, accession books, financial records, branch library records, publicity materials, newspaper clippings, history, ephemera and other materials. There is a finding aid for the material contained in this collection. Most of the material is available to the public.
Hamilton and Hamilton-Wentworth Archives
The largest single component of Local History & Archives is the Archives Collection. This collection consists of material such as letters, photographs, manuscripts, diaries and other original records created by Hamilton and area citizens. There are records of local businesses and organizations, family papers, government records of the City of Hamilton and the County of Wentworth, military records, theatrical collections, music collections, ephemera, etc.
To find out what is contained in the Archival units you can use the Finding Aids that list the contents and the Where-to-Look.
Local History of Hamilton
This collection consists of thousands of books and pamphlets relating in some way to the history, politics, culture and industry of Hamilton, as well as many other aspects. Within this collection are almost 2,000 scrapbooks on topics of local interest including churches, elections, hospitals, crime, Hamilton Harbour, weather, theatre, sports, politics, historic houses, and people.
