Concession Branch - Construction Updates

Due to a glass door installation for the new Makerspace area, Concession Branch will close at 1 pm on Thursday, September 3. It is expected to reopen to its regular hours with limited services on Friday, September 4. Stay tuned for continual updates.

www.hpl.ca/concession

Published:
Wednesday, September 9, 2026 - 12:00pm
Concession Branch - Closed, September 9

Due to ongoing construction, Concession Branch will be closed tomorrow, Wednesday, September 9. It will be reopen on Thursday, September 10.

Published:
Tuesday, September 8, 2026 - 3:00pm
Preview the New HPL.ca

We're excited to share a preview of the new HPL.ca before its official launch on September 15.

Explore the new site, discover updated navigation and get familiar with the improved online experience designed to make it easier to find Library services, programs, collections and information.

If you encounter an issue or have feedback, please let us know through our Contact Us page.

Published:
Wednesday, September 2, 2026 - 3:00pm
Kenilworth Branch - Parking Lot Not Available

Due to a fence replacement, the parking lot will be unavailable until Friday, September 11. Nearby street parking is available. Thank you for your patience. 

Published:
Wednesday, September 2, 2026 - 2:00pm
Barton Branch - Construction in Area

Please note that Milton Avenue at Barton Street is under construction. Access to the parking lot is limited. Nearby street parking is available and an HSR route out front. Thank you for your patience.

Published:
Monday, August 31, 2026 - 2:30pm
Print on the Go Currently Unavailable

The Print on the Go service is not working at all Branches. We aim to fix it as soon as possible.

Published:
Thursday, August 27, 2026 - 12:30pm
Delayed Openings and Closures

Due to Staff training, the following service modifications are planned.

  • Red Hill: Friday, September 18, Delayed Opening of 10 am
  • Central Library: Tuesday, September 29, Delayed Opening of 10 am

Visit www.hpl.ca/hours for open alternate locations.

Published:
Tuesday, August 25, 2026 - 2:00pm
Bookmobile Schedule Modifications for September

Bookmobile has the following schedule modifications for September: 

Please visit www.hpl.ca/bookmobile for updates on service modifications.

Tuesday, September 8                  

  • Strathcona - Cancelled 
  • McMaster - Cancelled 

Thursday, September 10              

  • Rockton and Millgrove visits moved to Saturdays (Starting September 12) 

Saturday, September 12               

  • Stoney Creek - Cancelled 
  • Riverdale - Cancelled 

Thursday, September 17       

  • Mohawk Gardens - Cancelled 
  • Meadowlands - Cancelled 

Friday, September 18             

  • Winona - Cancelled 
  • Queen Victoria - Cancelled
Published:
Monday, August 24, 2026 - 9:30am

Local History and Archives Policy

Policy Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to outline the mandate, scope and objectives of the Hamilton Public Library’s Local History and Archives collections and archival activities and the authority under which the department operates. 

This policy articulates the key objectives with respect to the acquisition, preservation and access to materials in the Local History and Archives collections which will reflect the Mission Statement and Strategic Priorities of the Hamilton Public Library. The policy outlines process and expectation to assure transparency, accountability and preservation of trust. 

Key Points Summary

  • The library’s Local History and Archives Policy outlines the key principles and key objectives of the library’s archival collection development and access. 

  • The Local History and Archives Policy outlines the key criteria for the acquisition, access and reappraisal of archival materials.

  • A central role of Local History and Archives is to collect, preserve and make accessible materials which illustrate the history of the Hamilton area and its peoples. 

Definitions

Accession is the formal acceptance into custody and recording of an acquisition. 

Acquisition is an addition to the holdings of a repository. 

Archival Processing is the physical and intellectual control work done by archives employees to fully prepare archival materials for use, access and long-term preservation. 

Deaccession is the removal of material from the holdings of a repository. 

Digital Preservation is the management and protection of digital information to ensure authenticity, integrity, reliability, and long-term accessibility of digitized and born-digital information. 

Digitization is the process of transforming analog information into digital form. 

Preservation encompasses actions taken to extend the useable life of material and records by minimizing physical and chemical deterioration, preventing loss of information and ensuring continual access and use over time. 

Reappraisal is the process of identifying material that no longer merits inclusion in a repository. 

 

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