Ancaster Branch USB Printing Unavailable
Printing is currently unavailable at our Ancaster Branch. We are working to fix the issue. Thank you for your understanding.
Central Library - Supercrawl Temporary Road Closures
If you are planning to visit Central Library, please take into account the following temporary road closures and consider taking HSR or other forms of transit.
Thursday, September 12 at 7 pm until Monday, September 16 at 5 am: York Boulevard, Bay Street to Hughson Street
Thursday, September 12 at 1:30 am until Monday, September 16 at 5 am: James Street North, King Street to Strachan Street
Red Hill Branch USB Printing Unavailable
Printing is currently unavailable at Red Hill Branch. We are working to fix the issue. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Sherwood Branch - Parking Lot Access
Starting Thursday, September 5th, the rear parking lot at the Sherwood Branch will be closed due to repaving. Accessible parking spaces at the branch will be unavailable. Members may park at the neighboring plaza where spots are available during the closure.
The accessible ramp at the front of the branch (Upper Ottawa Street) and the drop box at the rear will both remain available.
Thank you for your patience.
Terryberry Branch: Open with Modified Hours During Construction
From September 3 - 15, the Terryberry Branch will be OPEN with modified service hours due to construction.
Monday - Thursday: 5 - 8 pm
Study Hall: 8 pm - Midnight (resumes September 3)
Friday, September 6 and 13: Closed
Saturday: 9 am - 5 pm
Sunday: 1 - 5 pm
Regular service hours return on Monday, September 16 as construction continues.
The parking lot, including accessible spots, will remain available.
Members may visit the Concession and Turner Park Branches as their next nearest locations for their library needs.
Service Fees
For full Service Fees information, see the Service Fees Policy.
Is the Library no longer issuing fines?
The Hamilton Public Library is not charging fines for its materials as of May 2021. This ensures access to the library without fear of fines and supports the community.
What about fines accumulated before the Library went fine-free?
All fines were cleared from Members’ Library accounts. It’s a fresh start for everyone.
What about fees for lost or damaged items?
In August 2020, all Member Library accounts were given a fresh start. Lost or damaged Digital equipment or Interlibrary Loans after the fresh start will be charged a fee.
I want to borrow Library materials, but I have large fines on my account, what can I do?
All fines were wiped from Members’ accounts. See the Borrowing Policy for more information.
My account is blocked, can you tell me why?
Accounts may be blocked for several reasons: an incorrect address or phone number, the borrowing limit is reached, material is missing (ex. a disc from a CD set). To discuss why your account is blocked, please contact us. Digital resources continue to be available.
I have a lost or damaged item ‑ will I be billed for it?
The Library collects fees for digital equipment or Interlibrary loans. The Library has waived fees for lost or damaged Collection items. Please return your item to the closest branch and chat with staff.
How can the Library afford go fines free? Who is paying for this?
The amount collected by service fees declines annually and takes a lot of staff time. HPL now offers a pay-it-forward donor fund to support programming, collections and more.
I would like to pay for an item that is damaged or lost, can I do this?
Yes. Please donate or contact HPL to contribute to the Library’s programs and services.
How else can I help the Library?
There are several ways you can help HPL:
- Volunteer opportunities
- Giving opportunities
- You can Pay it Forward and help others
What does HPL do with the donations?
The Pay-It-Forward Fund support materials purchases, programming and quality learning resources.
There are four areas donors can direct their contributions:
- Most Needed Use
- Kids’ Learning Fund
- Fines Forgiveness
- Local History & Archives Collections
Are tax receipts offered?
Tax receipts for donations made in person are issued for all donations of $25 or more, upon request. Donations made online at hpl.ca for $3 or more are issued a tax receipt by Canada Helps.
