Red Hill Branch Accessible Washroom Out of Order

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

Published:

Tuesday, June 30, 2026 - 12:45pm

Heat Warning Notification for the City of Hamilton

Heat Warning for the City of Hamilton.

Significant heat and humidity will arrive on Tuesday June 30.

For information about heat-related illnesses, cool place locations and reducing your risk, visit hamilton.ca.

Published:

Tuesday, June 30, 2026 - 9:00am

What's Happening Guide Changes

The What's Happening Guide has been retired and replaced with different communications channels and tactics. You can find the new Summer Reading Flyer here. Watch for future communications updates.

Published:

Monday, June 29, 2026 - 3:00pm

Sunday Hours Return to Central Library

Starting July 5, Central Library will be open on Sundays from Noon to 5 pm. www.hpl.ca/central

Published:

Monday, June 29, 2026 - 1:00pm

Red Hill Branch Accessible Ramp Not Available

The accessibility ramp at Red Hill Branch is not working. We aim to fix it quickly.

Published:

Monday, June 29, 2026 - 9:45am

Carlisle Branch Accessible Door Out of Order

The accessibility door at Carlisle Branch is not working. We aim to fix it quickly.

Published:

Thursday, June 25, 2026 - 2:45pm

Canada Day Closure - All Branches

All HPL Branches are closed on Canada Day, Wednesday, July 1st. Bookmobile is off the road and Extended Access is unavailable. Regular service hours resume on Thursday, July 2. Our Virtual Branch is open at hpl.ca. www.hpl.ca/hours

Published:

Tuesday, June 23, 2026 - 3:00pm

Study Halls Pause for Summer Break

The last day of Study Hall is Thursday, June 25. The service will resume on Tuesday, September 8. www.hpl.ca/study-halls

Published:

Tuesday, June 23, 2026 - 3:00pm

Construction work at Barton Branch

The entrance to the Barton Branch parking lot off of Milton St. is currently inaccessible due to construction. The parking lot can still be accessed via the alley off Fullerton St. during this time.

Published:

Wednesday, June 17, 2026 - 9:15am

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.

Published:

Wednesday, June 10, 2026 - 5:00am

Bookmobile Service Modification

Due to Driver availability, Bookmobile has the following schedule modifications for the month of June. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Bookmobile Service June Modifications

Tuesday, June 30:

Greencedar - Cancelled
Mountview - Cancelled

Wed, July 1:

Library Closed - All Stops Cancelled

Thurs, July 2:

Rockton Cancelled
Mohawk Gardens Cancelled
Meadowlands Cancelled

Fri, July 3:

Winona Cancelled
Queen Victoria Cancelled

Mon, July 6:

Special Event - All Stops Cancelled

Published:

Friday, May 22, 2026 - 12:00pm

The Duet Club

Duet Club Scrapbook

The Duet Club was established in Hamilton by Ellen Ambrose in 1889, making it the earliest recorded women's music club in Canada.

Ellen Sophia Ambrose (1851-1936) came to Hamilton with her family in 1875. She taught music first at the Wesleyan Ladies' College, where her father also taught, and in 1889 began teaching at Mrs. Thomas Chesnut's Ladies' School. In 1890 she opened her own studio.

Miss Ambrose had her students gather in her studio and in their respective homes to play for each other. Membership increased and the meetings moved out of houses and the fledgling organization was first known as the Haydn Duet Club (as they had been studying Haydn). The name was later changed to Duet Club.

The members met twice a month in the morning with an occasional open meeting. Originally intended for "ladies only", the Duet Club now welcomes all who enjoy fine music and who wish to support the study of it through the extensive program sponsored by the club.

The Junior Duet Club formed in 1928 and was later disbanded. It was reformed in 1959 and in 1962 given its own funds and its own executive.