Print on the Go Currently Unavailable

The Print on the Go service is not working at all Branches. We aim to fix it as soon as possible.

Published:
Thursday, August 27, 2026 - 12:30pm
Network Maintenance, Sunday, August 30

From 5am to 11am, HPL's catalogue, library accounts and online resources will not be available due to technical network maintenance. We thank you in advance for your patience.

Published:
Thursday, August 27, 2026 - 8:00am
Concession Branch - Temporarily Reopening

Starting Thursday, August 27, the Branch has reopened to its regular hours with limited services for a few weeks while construction is paused. The interior construction of a new Makerspace will resume in mid-September. Stay tuned for more updates.

Published:
Thursday, August 27, 2026 - 8:00am
Delayed Openings and Closures

Due to Staff training, the following service modifications are planned.

  • Turner Park: Wednesday, September 2, Noon-1 pm Closure
  • Red Hill: Friday, September 18, Delayed Opening of 10 am
  • Central Library: Tuesday, September 29, Delayed Opening of 10 am

Visit www.hpl.ca/hours for open alternate locations.

Published:
Tuesday, August 25, 2026 - 2:00pm
Bookmobile Schedule Modifications

Bookmobile has the following schedule modifications for September: 

Mon, Sept 7: Library Closed - All Stops Cancelled 

Tues, Sept 8:                    

  • Strathcona Cancelled

  • McMaster Cancelled

Thurs, Sept 10:                 

  • Rockton moved to Saturday 

  • Millgrove moved to Saturday

Sat, Sept 12:                 

  • Stoney Creek Cancelled

  • Riverdale Cancelled

Published:
Monday, August 24, 2026 - 9:30am
Study Halls Pause for Summer Break

After Hours Study Hall is not available in July and August. Hours will resume Tuesday, September 8. www.hpl.ca/study-halls

Published:
Tuesday, June 23, 2026 - 3:00pm

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