Due to the ongoing roof repair project, noise and parking disruptions are expected to continue until the end of June. Thank you for your patience.
Monday, April 28 is the National Day of Mourning to remember and honour those who have died, been injured or suffered illness in the workplace. All HPL Branches will observe a minute of silence at 11am to honour their memories.
Monday, April 28 is Election Day in Canada. Westdale Branch is open 9:30am-9:30pm as a polling station. Please bring one piece of ID to vote. Please note there will be a minute of silence at 11am in honour of the National Day of Mourning.
Extended Access at Freelton Branch is not working. We aim to fix it quickly. Apologies for the inconvenience.
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 Ancaster Rotary Centre, 385 Jerseyville Road West, Ancaster. The last day to pick up your Holds is Thursday, May 1st. Thank you for your understanding.
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.
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
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.
The accessible washroom at Barton Branch is not working. We aim to get it fixed quickly.
History of City Hall

The building was described as follows: "[t]he hall's thirty feet of frontage facing on James Street contained two entrances, each gained by a short flight of steps. As an architectural gesture a small square tower and dome surmounted the hall. On the ground floor and in the basement a brisk trade was carried on in butter and eggs, poultry and meat. The upper story was an open hall with the city clerk's office at the rear, and opposite, at the east end of the building, a stage for local and travelling talent" (14). The Hamilton Spectator noted "[f]or a while the whole second flat of the building was used as a public hall as well as a council chamber ... old citizens declare that there were sliding doors between the council chamber and the public hall. Probably the sliding doors were put in some years after the building was put up, when the growing dignity of the town demanded that its civic dignitaries should have an apartment all to themselves The public hall was for years the only suitable place in the town for the holding of public meetings and entertainments. Many a dramatic performance - amateur and professional - was given there, and lectures, concerts, public civic meetings, political gatherings, and panoramas were held in that old hall" (15).
The hall was no stranger to political infighting. In 1855, the Spectator reported that Mayor Magill had hoped to celebrate the fall of Sevastopol with a public celebration coinciding with a visit from the Governor-General and the Honourable John A. MacDonald. Some members of the public who disliked MacDonald protested the event, and stormed the hall during a council meeting. The leader of the mob, Hamilton Councillor Teddy Brannigan, attempted to speak to the crowd but was stopped by Mayor Magill himself, who placed Brannigan under arrest after the Chief Constable refused. The Mayor read the riot act to the crowd and they dispersed, unwilling to oppose Mayor Magill's will (15).