OverDrive Apps Latency

We are currently investigating an issue causing slowness/latency for users in Libby, Sora, LexisNexis, Kobo, and our OverDrive library sites. We aim to fix it quickly. Thank you for your patience.

All Branches and Bookmobile Stops
Published:
Thursday, April 24, 2025 - 3:15pm
Extended Access at Freelton Branch Unavailable

Extended Access at Freelton Branch is not working. We aim to fix it quickly. Apologies for the inconvenience.

Published:
Thursday, April 24, 2025 - 12:00pm
Ancaster Branch - Temporary Closure, May 5-31

From Monday, May 5 to Saturday, May 31, the Ancaster Branch will be temporarily closed due to a roof and HVAC replacement. During this time, service hours will be available at the Morgan Firestone Arena, 385 Jerseyville Road West, Ancaster. The last day to pick up your Holds is Thursday, May 1st. Thank you for your understanding.

www.hpl.ca/ancaster

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Published:
Wednesday, April 16, 2025 - 11:00am
Central Library - Microfilm Machine

The digital microfilm machines at Central Library are not working. A single analog machine is available, but it doesn't print. We aim to have the digital devices repaired as soon as possible. We apologize for the inconvenience.

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Affected Branch: Central Library
Published:
Thursday, April 10, 2025 - 3:30pm
Barton Branch - Roof Repair

Due to the ongoing roof repair project, noise and parking disruptions will continue until April 25. Thank you for your patience.

Published:
Tuesday, April 8, 2025 - 3:30pm
Sherwood Branch - Basement Renovation

The first phase of renovations will begin at the Sherwood Branch from April 10 to May 2. During this time, noise disruptions may occur throughout the branch due to a basement renovation. Parking, access to the building, and collections will not be affected. Thank you for your patience. www.hpl.ca/sherwood

Published:
Monday, April 7, 2025 - 8:30am
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.

All Branches and Bookmobile Stops
Published:
Thursday, April 3, 2025 - 10:30am

Historical Flamborough

Established in 1792, the Township of Flamborough was named after a prominent geographical formation, the Flamborough Head, and the Town of Flamborough in East Yorkshire, England. In 1816, Flamborough Township became a part of the newly formed Halton County. With the massive reorganisation of the county system completed in 1854, Flamborough was divided into two separate townships, East and West Flamborough, each with their own reeve, township hall, etc. Included within East Flamborough was the population centre called Waterdown. The name reflected the community’s close proximity to the location where Grindstone Creek tumbles over the Niagara Escarpment. Originally known as Great Falls, the area was a significant industrial site in the early 19th Century as several mills were located there to harness the power of the water flow to operate a number of mills. Although no specific documentation to prove it exists, it is believed that Waterdown was named by Ebenezer Griffin. Griffin settled in the area about 1832 and laid out village lots to begin the community to be known as Waterdown.

One of West Flamborough Township’s main features was the waterway now known as Spencer Creek. In the early decades of the nineteenth century, the water flow of the creek was sufficiently strong to power a large number of mills. Particularly in what is now the Greensville area, the Honourable James Crooks established a concentration of mills of various types to harness that water power. The industrial and residential community came to be known as Crook’s Hollow, and it included saw mills, grist mills, flour mills and one of the first large scale paper mills in Upper Canadian history. Now virtually disappeared, Crook’s Hollow was one of the dominant industrial and commercial centres in the history of Upper Canada during the 1820’s and 1830’s. Spencer Creek as it flows through West Flamborough townships provides the water for two of the Hamilton area’s most historic and scenic waterfalls, Webster’s and Tew’s Falls. Both waterfalls are located along the edge of the Niagara Escarpment, just downstream from the historic village of Bullock’s Corners, location of the still standing West Flamborough Township Hall.

Immediately west of West Flamborough was another of the early townships of the area, Beverly Township. Established in 1792, Beverly Township took its name from the Town of Beverly, located in East Yorkshire, England, 12 kilometres north west of Kingston upon Hull. Beverly Township was brought into the County of Wentworth in 1854. When the Regional Municipality was created, the Townships of East and West Flamborough were combined with the former Township of Beverly to form the new Town of Flamborough. The Town of Flamborough was amalgamated with five other municipalities in 2001 to form the “New” City of Hamilton