The following Bookmobile visits are cancelled this month. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Wednesday, May 14: Swansea and Helen Detwiler
Thursday, May 15: Rockton and Meadowlands
Mohawk Gardens, 2-2:30 pm instead
Bennetto, 4:30-5:30 pm instead
Friday, May 16: Huntington Park
Friday, May 30: Huntington Park, Winona, and Maplewood
In preparation for the 1st Floor renovations, the Sherwood Branch will be closed on Wednesday, May 14. It is expected to reopen on Thursday, May 15 with the completion of the basement renovation. Thank you for your understanding.
All HPL Branches are closed on Sunday, May 18, and Victoria Day, Monday, May 19. Bookmobile is off the road. Extended Access and Study Hall services are not available. Our Virtual Branch is open at hpl.ca.
On Tuesday, May 13, a fire drill will be held at 11 am at Central Library. You may visit the Barton or Locke Branches as alternate locations for your library needs. Thank you for your understanding.
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.
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.
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.
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.
HPL is proud to host Hamilton’s Black History Month Launch on January 31. Join Black-led community organizations as we recognize the achievements of Black Hamiltonians and kick off a month of events and experiences across the City.
Join the Short Story Book Club on February 4 at Central Library to discuss James Baldwin’s Sonny’s Blues. Families can enjoy Family Storytime at Concession Branch on February 5 and 7, while young creators can craft poems from historical texts during Highlight Poetry sessions at various branches.
Enjoy inspiring music at our Noon Hour Concert Series every Friday. On February 7, experience the piano and voice of Dionne R. Grant. February 14 features the powerful vocals of Terry Rhodes, and on February 28, Big John and The Night Trippers close the series with an unforgettable performance.
On February 8, celebrate jazz legend Thelonious Monk with a film screening and live performances. Support young BIPOC entrepreneurs at the BLK Owned Youth Market on February 15. Youth writers can participate in Write Like … A Literary Comic-Con on February 20. On February 21, honour Hamilton icon Jackie Washington with a tribute concert by Ken Whiteley at noon, followed by the Write Like – Anthology Launch later that evening.
See our complete list of Black History Month Events.
Celebrate Black voices all year through HPL’s collections of books, music, movies and educational activities.
Books for Adults
Books for Kids
Film
Each year, Hamilton’s Black History Month Council, in partnership with Black-led organizations and the City of Hamilton, recognizes Black Hamiltonians for their outstanding contributions. The 2025 honorees are Reverend George Edmund Fitzgerald and Haydain Neale. Learn more about their impact and upcoming events at the City of Hamilton’s Black History Month webpage.
