Turner Park Branch - Roof Repair

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.

Published:
Monday, April 28, 2025 - 10:00am
April 28: National Day of Mourning

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.

All Branches and Bookmobile Stops
Published:
Friday, April 25, 2025 - 9:00am
Westdale Branch: Polling Station

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.

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Published:
Friday, April 25, 2025 - 9:00am
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 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.

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
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
Barton Branch Accessibile Washroom Out of Order

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

Published:
Saturday, February 15, 2025 - 10:15am

History of City Hall

The first problems surfaced in 1891. The Spectator reported that "[i]t is becoming painfully evident that the plaster all through the building is not well put on, and that it may fall from the ceilings at any moment. A day or two ago a large piece fell from the ceiling in the basement. Yesterday a still larger piece - about six feet by four - tumbled from the ceiling of the mayor's private office and crashed down on the mayor's desk and the chair in which His Worship is wont to sit. If he had been there at the time it fell, it is not unlikely that there would have been a large and imposing funeral in a day or two as a result of the sudden descent, for the ceiling is 22 or 23 feet high" (39). 

City Hall (1890-1960)
City Hall (1890-1960)

In 1894 electric lights were introduced into the hall, the contract being awarded to the Hamilton Electric and Power Company (40). That same year a debate arose between Mayor Alexander David Stewart and Reverand James Murray, the minister of one of the local churches, who took exception to the manner in which the mayor was handling city business. Murray "animadverted somewhat forcibly on the disgrace of the chief magistrate holding the position of secretary of a jockey club and having to appear in the police court to answer a charge of assault, coupled with a regret that the city seemed to be governed by sports and sluggers ... he preached a thoroughly practical sermon on the duties of citizenship, vehemently denouncing the dispensation of liquor in the city hall and stigmatising that imposing pile as a Chamber of Bacchus" (41). The minister was referring to an incident at the Jockey Club roadhouse where Mr. Lottridge was struck by the Mayor. When it came to court, Mr. Lottridge having lodged a charge of wilful assault against His Worship, "Magistrate Jelfs quickly found the club secretary [Stewart] guilty." A fine of $1.00 and costs was assessed against him (42). 

In 1895, the hall welcomed its first female employee. When her employment was raised at council, a special committee was struck. The report read: 

To His Worship the Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Hamilton,
Gentlemen, -

Your Special Committee appointed at the last meeting to report on the advisability of a clerk being appointed in the Mayor's office, beg to report that they have examined into the matter, and recommend that Miss Minnie Stewart be appointed to act as the Mayor's clerk, and perform such other work as may be required of her by the Chairman of the Committees, her salary to be twenty-five dollars per month.

Respectfully submitted
E.A. Colquhoun
Chairman (43)