Cold Weather Alert for the City of Hamilton Monday January 19, 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.
Cold Weather Alert for the City of Hamilton
Published:
Monday, January 19, 2026 - 4:00pm
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
Waterdown Branch Accessible Door Out of Order
The accessibility door at Waterdown Branch is not working. We aim to fix it quickly.
Published:
Tuesday, December 30, 2025 - 12:00pm
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
Black History Month
This February, celebrate Black History Month at Hamilton Public Library and explore the histories, contributions and achievements of Black communities in Hamilton and across Canada. Join us for free events featuring live music, author talks, workshops and community celebrations that highlight Black creativity, culture and knowledge.
Events
Official Black History Month Launch
Friday January 30
1:30pm–4:00pm, Central Library
All are welcome to celebrate Hamilton’s official launch of Black History Month 2026 at Central Library. This special event features the annual unveiling of Hamilton’s Black History Month honourees, along with exhibits, cultural performances, speakers, community organizations and vendors. Light refreshments will be served.
Presented by the Hamilton Black History Council in partnership with Black-led community organizations, the City of Hamilton and Hamilton Public Library.
Registration is free at BHMlaunch2026.eventbrite.ca.
Live Music Throughout February
Enjoy live music at branches across the city as part of Black History Month. Performances take place at Central Library and neighbourhood branches, featuring a range of artists and styles.
Noon Hour Concerts at Central Library
Listen to live music every Friday at noon:
- February 6 – Sabian Crosswell Trio (bass, drums, piano)
- February 13 – Dionne R. Grant (piano and voice)
- February 20 – Jackie Washington Day tribute concert with Harrison Kennedy and Jesse O’Brien
- February 27 – Big John and The Nite Trippers
Live Music at Branches
- February 9 – BLK ORCHID, multi-instrumentalist (Saltfleet Branch)
- February 14 – Terry Rhodes, voice (Waterdown Branch)
- February 25 – Dionne R. Grant, keyboard and voice (Valley Park Branch)
- February 27 – Michaela Mathurin, voice (Concession Branch)
Author Talk: Antonio Michael Downing
Thursday February 19, 2026
6:30pm–7:30pm, Central Library
Join award-winning writer and broadcaster Antonio Michael Downing for a live reading and conversation about his debut novel Black Cherokee. Downing will be joined by editor and writer Alicia Cox Thomson for a discussion followed by audience questions. Borrow the book from the HPL catalogue and be part of the conversation.
African Knowledge in Action with Michelle Bonsu
Saturday February 28
1:00pm–3:00pm, Central Library
Explore African knowledge systems in this interactive, conversation-based workshop with Michelle Bonsu. Learn about the differences between African and Western ways of knowing and how African wisdom can be applied to everyday life. Michelle Bonsu is a Ghanaian cultural worker and the creator of Asase Ba, an educational platform celebrating African stories and knowledge.
See our complete list of Black History Month Events.
Books and Media
Celebrate Black voices all year through HPL’s collections of books, music, movies and educational activities.
Books for Adults
Film
We Are Hamilton – Black History Remembered
Each year, Hamilton Black History Council, in partnership with Black-led organizations and the City of Hamilton, recognizes Black Hamiltonians for their outstanding contributions. The 2026 honorees will be unveiled at the Official Black History Month Launch on Friday January 30. Learn more about past honorees their impact and upcoming events at the City of Hamilton’s Black History Month webpage.
