Printing is not working at Ancaster Branch. We aim to fix it as soon as possible.
The accessible washroom at Sherwood Branch is not working. We aim to get it fixed quickly.
Starting Monday, April 27 until May 4, non-partner community organizations are encouraged to participate in a short survey. HPL would like to learn how the Library Card Access Pilot Project and the toxic drug crisis in general affect non-partner organizations. Please note that the survey is not anonymous. Start now at www.hpl.ca/non-partner-survey.
Due to software maintenance, HPL library's catalogue, online services and library accounts will not be available between 9am and 7pm on Monday, May 18. Thank you for your patience.
Due to Staff training, Central Library will close from 11am to Noon on Tuesday, May 5. You may visit Locke and Barton Branches as the next nearest locations for your library needs. Thank you for your patience.
Renovations are expected to be completed by May 7. Construction repairs and noise may impact your next visit. Thank you for your understanding.
Due to Staff training, Mount Hope Branch will have a delayed opening of 2 pm on Monday, May 4. You may visit Turner Park Branch as the next nearest location for your library needs. Thank you for your patience.
Renovations are currently underway for the 2nd floor Central Children's Area. Programs are still being offered as scheduled and there is a temporary pop-up Children’s Area on the northeast side of the 2nd floor (near the Piano Room), including access to collections and train tables. Construction is expected to be completed by late Spring. Thank you for your patience during this time.
As of Monday, March 2, Sherwood Branch's 2nd floor is closed due to renovations. Makerspace, Children and Teen's collection are temporarily available on the 1st floor. All programs will be held in the basement program room. Renovations are expected to be completed in late Spring. Thank you for your patience.
Learn English
The Newcomer Learning Centre is on the 4th Floor of Central Library.
It has books, CDs and DVDs for Learners and Tutors.
Anyone with a HPL card can borrow Newcomer Learning Centre materials.
To speak with Staff, call 905-540-7009 or email nlc@hpl.ca.
Newcomer Learning Centre Programs
All programs are for adults 18+.
Proof of Permanent Residency or a Protected Person status is requested in advance of participating in any Newcomer Learning Centre program.
Registration is required for all programs.
English Tutoring:
Practice English with a tutor in-person, online or both.
Meet twice a week for one to two hours.
Must have language benchmarks of 3 or higher in all language skills.
To join, complete the English Tutoring Request Form.
To volunteer with Newcomers to Canada, please complete our Volunteer English Tutor Application.
English for Seniors Online or In-Person:
Learn English with other seniors age 55 and older, in a small class.
Online classes are Mondays and Wednesdays, 9:30-10:30am.
In-person classes are Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:30 to 11:00am.
Newcomer Book Club:
Chat about a book, learn new vocabulary and meet friends.
Human Library for Newcomers:
Learn about the life journeys of others in Canada and about Canadian culture through short conversations with a settled immigrant or long-time Canadian.
In-Person Conversation Circles:
Practise English in-person, in a group setting. Topics are tailored to the needs of students. Conversation Circles meet Thursdays 3:30-4:30pm.
Information Sessions:
Information sessions are hosted throughout the year. Themes include employment, credential evaluation, volunteering, employee/tenant rights and more. Ten sessions offered per year.
Visit Newcomers Events for more information.
Language Assessment and Settlement Services
English language assessment and settlement services are available at:
French language assessment is available at:
- Language Assessment Services - Peel Halton Dufferin - Achēv (achev.ca)
- Collège Boréal (collegeboreal.ca)
French Integration and Settlement Services are available at:
- Centre de santé communautaire Hamilton/Niagara: https://www.cschn.ca/services-aux-nouveaux-arrivants/
- Additional newcomer supports in Hamilton can be found through the Hamilton Immigration Partnership Council (HIPC) at: https://newcomersinhamilton.ca/
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