Barton Branch Accessible Washroom Out of Order
The accessible washroom at Barton Branch is currently out of order. We are working to restore access. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Kenilworth Branch - Photocopying and Scanning Unavailable
Due to maintenance issues, photocopying and scanning services are not currently available at the Kenilworth Branch. The estimated time of disruption is unknown. Thank you for your patience.
Lamination Service unavailable at Red Hill Branch
Lamination service is currently unavailable at the Red Hill Branch. We are working quickly to resolve this issue. Thank you for your patience.
Central Library - Newcomer Learning Centre, Temporary Closure
From Wednesday, November 13 to Friday, November 15, the Newcomer Learning Centre will be closed due to off-site Staff training. The Centre will reopen on Monday, November 18.
Kenilworth Branch - Roof Repairs
From November 11 to 29, the parking lot may not be available at certain times of the day due to repair maintenance. There may also be some noise disruptions in the branch. Thank you for your understanding.
Mount Hope - Delayed Opening
Due to Staff training, the Mount Hope Branch will have a delayed opening of 2 pm on Wednesday, November 20. Please visit the Turner Park Branch as the next nearest location for your library needs.
Delayed Opening - Ancaster Branch
Due to Staff training, the Ancaster Branch will have a delayed opening of 10 am on Wednesday, November 20. Please visit the Dundas or Terryberry Branch as the next nearest locations for your library needs.
Ending support for OverDrive's desktop apps and website MP3 downloads
On November 13, 2024, the MP3 audiobook format will be retired from HPL's OverDrive website and support for OverDrive's desktop apps for Windows and Mac (which only work with MP3 audiobooks) will not be available.
After this change, you can listen to audiobooks using the following options:
- In Libby (available for Android, iOS, or Amazon Fire devices or at libbyapp.com in a web browser)
- On HPL's OverDrive website using the Listen now in browser option
- In the OverDrive app (only available in select countries)
Total Solar Eclipse April 8
The Countdown is Totality On
The Solar Eclipse has come and gone!
If you would like to donate your ISO safety solar eclipse glasses, return them to any HPL Branch or Bookmobile visit. HPL and McMaster University have teamed up with the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada - Hamilton Centre to collect and redistribute. Thank you for returning your glasses.
Get Equipped for the Eclipse – Safety Glasses - Out of Stock!
You should never look at the sun without proper protection. During most of the total solar eclipse, you should only look directly at the Sun if you are using protective eyewear.
HPL no longer has solar glasses. More than 80,000 were distributed to the public. You may be able to pick up a pair at Haldimand Public Library branches, McMaster University, Six Nations Public Library.
Safe Solar Eclipse Viewing
A solar eclipse occurs when the moon partially or totally covers the Sun. It is fascinating, but it is important to guard against damage to your eyes. Follow these options for safe viewing.
Safety First
Use approved solar eclipse viewers that meet international standard ISO 12312-2. Glasses distributed by Hamilton Public Library are provided by McMaster University and meet these standards. Make sure the glasses are not damaged or scratched before use. Sunglasses, even those with a very dark tint, are NOT sufficient protection.
Watch Online
Watch an online livestream of the event from a verified source such as NASA Live. Alternatively, check out a recording of the eclipse after it has happened.
For more information visit 2023 Eclipse.
Frequently Asked Questions
The eclipse will begin in downtown Hamilton around 2:03 p.m., totality will be around 3:18 p.m. and will last 1 minute and 50 seconds, the eclipse will end around 4:31 p.m. For the exact time at your location visit 2024 Eclipse Simulator
No, Hamilton is on the edge of the totality path, so some areas will not be in totality. These areas will still experience an eclipse, but the sun will not be totally blocked out. To see if your location is in totality and for the exact time at your location visit 2024 Eclipse Simulator .
The path of totality is where observers will see the Moon completely cover the Sun.
In the path of totality, where the Moon completely covers the Sun, the sky will become dark, as if it were dawn or dusk. For those who only experience a partial solar eclipse, the sky will appear slightly darker than it was before the eclipse, depending on how much the Moon blocks the Sun in their location.
You can expect the temperature to drop about 5 degrees Celsius, depending on the humidity and cloud cover at your location.
Space Reads for Earthlings
Browse a celestial selection of books about solar eclipses, the stars and the universe.
Far Out Science and Space-Themed Programs
Become one with the night sky inside the McMaster portable planetarium, learn about Stars, Planets and More with the Hamilton Amateur Astronomers Club and take part in a Solar Eclipse themed STEAM Learning Lab. April 8 is also your headquarters for PA Day fun, with morning programming for kids of all ages.
Countdown Until Solar Eclipse:
