The Branch has closed early today, Friday, February 20, due to a gas smell. Stay tuned for reopening details.
Mount Hope Branch - Early Closure
Published:
Friday, February 20, 2026 - 4:00pm
Carlisle Branch - Exterior Filming
From Tuesday, March 3, to Wednesday, March 4, filming will take place from 7am to 11pm at 1464 Centre Road. This may impact traffic flow in the surrounding area.
Published:
Friday, February 20, 2026 - 2:15pm
Terryberry Branch Elevator Out of Order
The Terryberry branch parking lot elevator is out of order. The branch is still accessible via the ramp to the Mohawk doors and then the elevator in the middle of the building. We're working to get it fixed quickly.
Published:
Thursday, February 19, 2026 - 5:00pm
Carlisle Branch Accessible Door Out of Order
The accessibility door at Carlisle Branch is not working. We aim to fix it quickly.
Published:
Tuesday, February 17, 2026 - 2:30pm
Concession Branch - Upcoming Renovations
Renovation preparations are underway in anticipation of the March 2 start. Computer availability may be limited. Living Room and Makerspace areas are closed. (The next nearest Makerspaces are Sherwood and Terryberry Branches). Renovations are expected to wrap up by late Spring. Thank you for your patience.
Published:
Tuesday, February 10, 2026 - 1:00pm
Sherwood Branch - Upcoming Renovations
Renovation preparations are underway in anticipation of the March 2 start. Starting the week of February 23, the 2nd Floor will be closed. The Children's collection will be temporarily available on the 1st Floor. Renovations are expected to wrap up by 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 will be unavailable due to renovation preparations. Study and work spaces are available on Floors 2-3.
Please note the Noon Hour Concert on Friday, February 13, will be held at Terryberry Branch instead.
Thank you for your patience.
Published:
Friday, February 6, 2026 - 9:00am
Bookmobile Service Modification
Please note the following Bookmobile visit updates.
Thursday, February 19
Rockton (10:30am-11:30am) - Cancelled
Bennetto 5-5:30pm (instead of 4-5:30pm)
Wednesday, February 25
Swansea 10:00-10:30am - Cancelled
Helen Detwiler 11:00am-12:00pm - Cancelled
Warplane Museum 3:00-4:00pm - Cancelled
Friday, February 27
Winona 11:00am-12:00pm - Cancelled
Maplewood 2:30-4:00pm - 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.
Published:
Wednesday, January 21, 2026 - 11:00am
Donations, Sponsorship and Fundraising Policy
Donations
Cash Donations
Gifts of cash are accepted and used to enhance the Library's services.
The Library reserves the right to use undesignated donations in the best interest of the Library, and shall make decisions regarding the investment, disposition and/or eventual disposal of all donations.
Both designated and undesignated donations are welcome. For designated donations, the Library will direct the donation to a specific purpose as outlined by the donor.
Unless otherwise specified by the donor, cash donations received during the year are to be transferred to a Donations Reserve. Use of funds in the Reserve requires Board approval before being spent.
The Board will be informed of individual cash donations of $25,000 or more. Employees will advise the Board of such donations and bring forward a recommendation for use of the funds, such as transfer to the Donations Reserve or use for a specific purpose.
Acceptance and handling of cash donations shall adhere to the Library’s Cash Handling Policy.
Endowment Funds
The Library has a long-standing partnership with the Hamilton Community Foundation (HCF) in managing its endowment funds. Endowments are gratefully accepted and directed by the Library to the HCF (hamiltoncommunityfoundation.ca).
Endowment funds are administered and managed by the HCF on behalf of the Library. The principal is used to generate income, which is available for Library use. The Library Board approves the expenditures consistent with the specifications of the funds.
Donors of $25,000 or more may name a fund and choose to direct the donation to a specific field of interest in consultation with the Library Board.
Those interested in making an endowment contribution are encouraged to contact the Library. Library employees will work together with the donor or the donor’s authorized representative to establish which type of donation best meets the donor’s goals.
Both the Library and the HCF recognize all donations to endowment funds. Donors of named funds are recognized in the Hamilton Community Foundation’s Annual Report each year. The wishes of any donors wanting to remain anonymous will be respected.
Gifts In-Kind
Gifts-in-kind, also known as non-cash gifts, are gifts of property. They cover items such as artwork, equipment, securities, and cultural and ecological property.
A contribution of service, that is, of time, skills or efforts, is not property and, therefore, does not qualify as a gift or gift in-kind for purposes of issuing official donation receipts. CRA charities giving and glossary.
Art
The Library accepts artwork of historic/documentary value related to the history of the City of Hamilton as appropriate and as described in its Collections Policy.
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The Library does not act as a repository of the works of local artists or of portraits of local persons.
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The Library does not actively collect, seek or accept unsolicited donations or purchase art for decorative, artistic or commemorative purposes. The Library may commission art for a new or existing building.
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The Library Board reserves the right to refuse to accept any artwork considered by it to be inappropriate and/or unsuitable for a library environment.
Valuable Papers/Collections
The Library accepts gifts of papers/collections of historic/documentary value related to the history of the City of Hamilton as determined by its Local History and Archives Policy.
Non-cash Gifts
Gifts of securities are welcome and directed to the Library’s trust funds managed by the Hamilton Community Foundation.
Property
Gifts of property, real estate and tangible property are administered through the Library’s Financial Services Office.
Deferred Gifts including Bequests/Life Insurance
A deferred gift is arranged now but is not available for use by the Library until some future time, usually after the death of the donor. With a deferred gift, a portion or all of a donor’s assets may be designated by bequest to benefit the Library. Such gifts may be made by Will or beneficiary designation. Persons interested in making deferred gifts are encouraged to contact the Library’s Financial Services Office.
