Carlisle Branch - Accessible Washroom Unavailable
The accessible washroom at Carlisle Branch is temporarily unavailable. We are working to remedy this issue and apologize for the inconvenience.
Carlisle Branch - Extended Access
On Wednesday, October 9, Extended Access will not be available from 9 am-3 pm due to maintenance. Thank you for your patience.
Central Library and Stoney Creek Branch - Delayed Openings
Due to Staff training, Central Library opens at 10 am on Tuesday October 1.
Nearby are Barton or Locke branches, which both open at 9am.
Also due to Staff training, Stoney Creek Branch opens at 10am on Monday October 7.
Nearby are Saltfleet and Red Hill branches, which both open at 9am.
Phishing Scheme
Please be aware of online phishing attempts impersonating Hamilton Public Library and Library Staff. HPL does not solicit paid freelance opportunities through social media or other messaging applications. HPL does not request personal or banking information through social media or require financial compensation when reviewing job applications. Please report phishing schemes to communications@hpl.ca. If you think you are a victim of fraud, please call the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501.
Desjardins Canal Disaster
How the accident was first discovered
There is but one small house, belonging to the poor woman who behaved so nobly by the Doyle children near the fallen bridge; and she was looking out of the window as the train approached. She says the catastrophe made little noise. The train seemed to sway to one side, and then all disappeared. It is probably the swaying was the first passenger car overturning. She says she saw a man leap from the locomotive immediately before it disappeared. This was likely the engineer, as he was found with his neck broken on the ice. At the same time one of the workmen at the station house - it is about a mile distant from the broken bridge - who was watching the train coming in saw the steam suddenly stop, and a sort of dust arise. In a second there was no train to be seen. The alarm was at once given; and we believe that all persons connected with the railroad have exerted themselves most assiduously since, to render all the assistance they could. The crash was not heard at the depot.
("The Calamitous Railroad Accident at Burlington Bridge! Over the Des Jardines Canal, Canada." Frank Leslie's Illustrated Newspaper, 4 April 1857: 277-278.)