Bookmobile
Bookmobile Schedule Modifications for September
Bookmobile has the following schedule modifications for September:
Please visit www.hpl.ca/bookmobile, opens a new window for updates on service modifications.
Thursday, September 17
- Mohawk Gardens - Cancelled
- Meadowlands - Cancelled
Friday, September 18
- Winona - Cancelled
- Queen Victoria - Cancelled
The Bookmobile is HPL's branch on wheels. It makes stops throughout the city to ensure everyone can enjoy library materials and services.
For more information read the FAQ. If you have further questions, please call 905-546-3200, email askus@hpl.ca or chat at hpl.ca.
Weekly Stops
* indicates a bi-weekly stop
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
The History of the Bookmobile
Our library on wheels is a very special and unique part of HPL’s public services, allowing us to go beyond the brick and mortar and connect with our many communities in the city of Hamilton.
The first time there was a mention of having a travelling branch for the Hamilton Public Library was in an article in Globe & Mail dated November 16, 1949. Then Chief Librarian Freda Waldon mentioned the idea of having a travelling branch whose chief function was to serve outlying areas beyond a one mile radius from existing library branches. It wasn’t until May 7, 1954 that talks of a possible bookmobile was discussed in city council.
Two years later, on December 20, 1956, the first bookmobile rolled onto the streets of Hamilton.
In a Hamilton Spectator article dated January 5, 1957, they talked about how the five stops of the Bookmobile were very popular among children, citing an example of one boy who went back five times, each time bringing someone with him and encouraging them to register for a library card. Another proof of the Bookmobile’s popularity was its February 1957 circulation exceeding that of the Main Library’s circulation.
Now, the Hamilton Public Library has two bookmobiles and services 12 neighbourhood stops and 25 senior residences. For 2014, the Bookmobile’s circulation was at around 123,000. Since October 1973, our bookmobiles have also offered movies in its collection.
The Bookmobile will continue to serve communities that do not have a library branch in their vicinity and provide materials for seniors who cannot travel far anymore. Our friendly staff will surely provide a personalized service and find the perfect material for you.
Bookmobile Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes during scheduled visit times.
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You’ll receive an email or phone call confirming the items are ready for pick up at your chosen Bookmobile visit. You can also log in to your account at myHPL, opens a new window to see which items are ready for pickup.
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The Bookmobile carries selections of physical materials from all collections, the same as are available from branches. If you have a specific title in mind, you can place a hold for pick-up from any Bookmobile visit.
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You may browse the Bookmobile collection at a visit or you may place holds for pick-up at a visit, via our catalogue , opens a new windowor call 905-546-3200 and Staff can help you.
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Bookmobile visits are offered throughout the region on a regular basis. Find a visit near you on HPL’s Bookmobile Schedule, opens a new window.