Locke Branch - Filming in the Area
From January 28 to February 7, filming will take place in the vicinity of the Melrose United Church on Homewood Avenue. This will impact side street parking when visiting our branch location. Thank you for your patience.
Freelton Branch – Extended Access Unavailable
Extended Access at the Freelton Branch is currently unavailable. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Barton Library- Accessible Washroom Currently Unavailable
The accessible washroom at the Barton branch is currently unavailable. Our facilities department is working to restore service.
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.
Library Services Update
- JAWS (Job Access With Speech) computers are not available.
- Photocopying and scanning services are available at all branches. Print on the Go is currently not available.
Contact Library Staff at 289-779-7588, hpl.ca or askus@hpl.ca. Check hpl.ca/events for programs and hpl.ca/hours for open hours.
Central Library - 4th Floor Closure, January 31st
Due to a special event set-up, the 4th Floor is closed on Friday, January 31st all day. The Makerspace and Newcomer Learning Centre will remain open. Study and work spaces are available on Floors 1-3. Thank you for your understanding.
Terryberry Accessible Washroom on the 1st Floor - Out of Order
The accessible washroom on the 1st floor of Terryberry library is unavailable.
Photography and Filming Policy
Policy Purpose
This policy establishes the terms and conditions for Hamilton Public Library (HPL) Staff and public use of Library spaces for still photography, filming and/or videography. The policy applies to all forms of photography and filming for personal, educational, commercial, news media and promotional purposes.
Key Points Summary
HPL recognizes that today’s technology supports personal photography and videography and allows free unrestricted use of its space for personal, individual, or casual photography and filming using a singular hand-held device.
As a public space, the Library does not dictate what individuals photograph or film for personal use, but requests that Members are respectful of others and strongly recommends obtaining permission.
HPL will obtain release permission from individuals to use identifiable names, images or videos in the library’s promotional materials. The Library will post photo/filming notices when capturing photos or filming events, programs, etc. These notices constitute consent from those entering the premises to be photographed or filmed and to the release of publication.
All third parties must secure their permissions and releases directly from the individuals they wish to film in addition to physical postings and notices during events.
HPL reserves the right to prohibit any photography or filming for any reason that may be disruptive to operations, individuals or library safety.
All non-personal photography and filming, including news media, are coordinated by the Library’s Communications Department.
Definitions
Personal Photography or Filming
Photography or filming intended for personal, individual and occasional use without commercial objective or to make profit. Usually carried out on smart phones and singular hand-held devices.
Non-Commercial (News Media) Photography or Filming
Photography or film footage captured by accredited news agencies for use in print, broadcast, or online publications.
Non-Commercial (Student Research) Photography or Filming
Photography or filming without commercial objective including student research for purpose of academic achievement for use in print, broadcast, or online publications.
Commercial Photography or Filming
Photography, film, video, digital or other technology to broadcast or publicly exhibit for profit or to advertise a product or service.
Policy Details
HPL recognizes that today’s technology supports personal photography and videography and allows free unrestricted photography and filming for personal, individual, or casual use.
Personal photography and filming in the Library spaces is limited to the use of singular hand-held devices, such as smart phones, and is subject to the following restrictions:
- No interfering with Library Staff or the public
- No interfering with library operations or the safety of visitors
- No tripods, drones or lighting equipment permitted
- No dominating or blocking pathways or spaces
HPL strongly advises against photographing or filming other library visitors without their permission.
The Library reserves the right to stop personal photography or filming at any time and may request non-compliant persons to leave the premises if complaints are received about disruptive practices.
Non-Commercial (News Media) Photography and Filming Policy
HPL has an open-door policy for accredited news media photographers, videographers and journalists covering news about the Library, its services and its programs. Media are requested to check in with the Communications Department prior to arrival.
Non-Commercial (Student Research) Photography and Filming Policy
The Library welcomes students working on non-profit photography or filming projects for academic or research purposes. Students must obtain prior approval from the Library’s Communications Department to coordinate time and location and avoid disruption to Library operations.
Commercial Photography and Filming Policy
Commercial photography or filming is subject to a location fee and requires pre-approval via request to the Communications Department. HPL evaluates requests based on project type, time, duration of the shoot, opportunity to showcase library spaces or services, impact on library operations and insurance credentials. HPL coordinates commercial filming with City of Hamilton Film Office.
Library-Initiated Promotional Photography and Filming
Often, HPL staff collect images and videos to be used for promotional use such as brochures, flyers, web pages, news releases, and to send to media outlets and event participants. The Library will obtain Photo/Video release permission from individuals or from parents/guardians of persons under 18 years old to use their names or images for Library-related promotional materials or publicity.
The Library will post filming notices when capturing images and videos of library events, programming and services, constituting consent from those entering the premises to be photographed or filmed and to the release of publication, exhibition and reproduction of any and all recorded media. Individuals not wishing to be photographed or filmed must explicitly request so from Library Staff.
Copyright and Individual Permissions
If Library photography or filming permissions are granted, individuals must also secure their own permissions/releases directly from any identifiable individuals they wish to film in addition to any filming notices that may be posted throughout the Library.
Photography or Filming of the Library's materials and resources may be permitted with pre-approval from Library Communications. Additional copyright permissions may be required and must be obtained by the individual from the author or publisher of the material.
Related Documents
Privacy Policy for Library Members
Photography or Filming Request Procedure
Hamilton Music and Film Office Website
Publish Date
February 2023
