Barton Branch Washrooms Out of Order

All public washrooms at Barton Branch are not working. We aim to get it fixed quickly.

Published:
Saturday, February 28, 2026 - 4:00pm
Valley Park Community Centre Closure

From March 23 until April 12, Valley Park Community Centre will be closed for renovations, reopening April 13. Pool and changerooms will remain closed until early summer 2026. 

Valley Park Branch will remain open during the renovations for your library needs.

www.hpl.ca/valley-park

Published:
Friday, February 27, 2026 - 11:00am
Carlisle Branch - Exterior Filming

Filming will take place Mar 3-4, 7am to 11pm, at 1464 Centre Rd. This may impact traffic flow in the surrounding area.

Published:
Friday, February 20, 2026 - 2:15pm
Concession Branch: Renovations

As of Monday, March 2, Concession Branch's Living Room and Makerspace areas are closed. (The next nearest Makerspaces are Sherwood and Terryberry Branches.) Seating may be limited at times. Renovations are expected to be completed in late Spring. Thank you for your patience.

Published:
Tuesday, February 10, 2026 - 1:00pm
Sherwood Branch: Renovations

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.

Published:
Tuesday, February 10, 2026 - 1:00pm
Central Library - Living Room Renovation Preparation

Starting Tuesday February 10, the First Floor Living Room is closed due to renovation preparations. Study and work spaces are available on Floors 2-4. Thank you for your patience.

Published:
Friday, February 6, 2026 - 9:00am
Bookmobile Service Modification

Please note the following Bookmobile visit updates.

Wednesday, March 4
St. Elizabeth Village: 1:15-1:45pm - Cancelled
Gemini: 2-2:30pm - Cancelled
Rosedale: 5-6:30pm - Cancelled

Friday, March 6
Winona: 11am-Noon - Cancelled
Queen Victora: 3-4pm - Cancelled

Published:
Monday, February 2, 2026 - 3:15pm
Carlisle Branch Accessible Washroom Out of Order

The accessible washroom at Carlisle Branch is not working. We aim to get it fixed quickly.

Published:
Tuesday, January 27, 2026 - 12:30pm
Central Library - Sunday Hours Paused

Effective Sunday, February 1, Sunday service hours at Central Library will be paused. 

Sunday Hours will continue at Dundas, Red Hill, Terryberry, Turner Park, Valley Park and Waterdown Branches from 1-5pm.

www.hpl.ca/hours 

Published:
Wednesday, January 21, 2026 - 11:00am

Blizzard of 1898

The Blizzard of 1898

 
One of the earliest documented snow storms in Hamilton took place in February 1845 when it snowed continuously for three days. The overland four horse stage coach to Toronto took two days to complete the trip from Hamilton. Possibly the worst snow storm ever to hit the Hamilton area, however, took place just over 100 years ago. On December 4, 1898 the snow began to fall. It continued to fall all night leaving a heavy coating of snow on everything. Then, on Sunday at noon, the temperature plummeted and strong winds picked up. Telephone and hydro poles began snapping off and live wires crackled across James Street North for over an hour before the power could be turned off. Large tree branches fell, in some cases just barely missing pedestrians. There were no outside telephone or telegraph connections and the city was without electricity for nearly thirty-six hours. No trains could get in or out of the city and the streetcars were at a complete standstill.
 
Following are some views of Hamilton after the great storm of '98! 
 

A view of James Street South at Gore Park

A view of James Street South at Gore Park
 

St. Thomas' Church, Main Street East

St. Thomas' Church, Main Street East
 

Hunter Street West showing the east end of the Hunter Street Tunnel of the Toronto, Hamilton & Buffalo Railway

Hunter Street West showing the east end of the Hunter Street Tunnel of the Toronto, Hamilton & Buffalo Railway
 

Looking west on King Street East from Wellington Street

Looking west on King Street East from Wellington Street