Delayed Branch Openings and Early Closure

Due to winter weather conditions, Hamilton Public Library is adjusting operations across the system today.

The following branches open 1-4PM today:

  • Central Library
  • Dundas Branch
  • Red Hill Branch
  • Terryberry Branch
Published:
Sunday, January 25, 2026 - 9:45am
Ancaster Branch Accessible Washroom Out of Order

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

Published:
Friday, January 23, 2026 - 9:00am
Bookmobile Stops Cancelled

The Winona (11am-12pm) and Queen Victoira (3-4pm) Bookmobile stop on January 23 is cancelled. Apologies for this inconvenience.

Published:
Friday, January 23, 2026 - 8:30am
Cold Weather Alert for the City of Hamilton

Cold Weather Alert for the City of Hamilton January 22, 2026.

The temperature is expected to plummet below minus 15 Celsius. For warm place hours visit hpl.ca/hours

For a list of shelters and health information visit www.hamilton.ca/cold

Published:
Thursday, January 22, 2026 - 5:00pm
Locke Branch - Filming Nearby

Filming will take place at 86 Homewood Avenue from January 28-30, 7 am-11 pm. Production vehicles and equipment will be located on the north side of Stanley Avenue between Locke Street South and Kent Street. This will impact the availability of side-street parking. Thank you for your patience.

Published:
Thursday, January 22, 2026 - 3:00pm
Central Library - Sunday Hours Paused

Effective Sunday, February 1, Sunday service hours at Central Library will be paused. 

Sunday Hours will continue at Dundas, Red Hill, Terryberry, Turner Park, Valley Park and Waterdown Branches from 1-5pm.

www.hpl.ca/hours 

Published:
Wednesday, January 21, 2026 - 11:00am
Central Library - Daily Hours Update

Starting Monday, February 2, Central Library's daily hours will move back to a 9 am opening instead of 8 am, Monday through Saturday. Please make note of this new service change for your next visit. www.hpl.ca/hours 

Published:
Wednesday, January 21, 2026 - 11:00am
Central Library – Digital Microfilm Machines

The digital microfilm machines at Central Library are not working. A single analog machine is available in the Local History and Archives Reading Room. This reader does not support printing. We apologize for the inconvenience and aim to have the digital devices repaired as soon as possible.

Published:
Monday, January 19, 2026 - 1:45pm
Online Resources - Update

The following eResources have been recently discontinued in our HPL collections: Novelist, Summa, Summa Kids, and Northstar Digital Literacy. Please visit www.hpl.ca/articles/read-watch-listen for our full listing of online resources for your next read, watch, listen and/or learn.

Published:
Wednesday, January 7, 2026 - 11:00am
Printing Updates

Daily print balances for black and white and colour printing change January 2, 2026. The new daily print balance is 40 cents. Members receive four free black and white copies or two free colour copies. 

Large format and vinyl printing pricing also change on January 2. Visit https://www.hpl.ca/makerspaces for updates.

Published:
Monday, December 22, 2025 - 2:00pm
Replacement and Damage Fees

Bring back your borrowed library items within 28 days to avoid a replacement or lost fee. We'll remove the fee when you bring back your overdue items. 

Published:
Thursday, September 11, 2025 - 3:00pm

Naming Opportunities Policy

Naming a room or facility after an individual or organization

Requests for naming a room after an individual must be directed to the Hamilton Public Library Board in writing.

The letter of request shall include a short biography of the honouree, lasting contributions to the Hamilton Public Library, community involvement, and a description of exceptional achievements as appropriate (e.g. philanthropy, leadership, professional excellence, distinguishing honours).

The letter will be reviewed by the Library Board, and, if required, an assessment of the request will be prepared by the Director of Finance & Facilities, in consultation with HPL’s Senior Leadership Team. Included in the assessment will be a report on the physical condition of the room or facility to ensure that it will project a positive image of the individual or organization.

If approved, the Library Board will make a recommendation for acceptance of the request and respond to the nominator in writing. To proceed with the naming opportunity, the Director of Finance and Facilities will be authorized to initiate the following actions: 

  • Determine specific placement of a plaque/signage for the designated room/facility
  • Prepare draft wording and a cost estimate to produce a plaque/signage
  • When final copy and design is approved by the nominator, produce and install the plaque/signage
  • Determine what type of ceremony/reception, if any, is to accompany installation of the signage/plaque in recognition of the naming (or, in some cases, re-naming)