Temporary Water Disruption on Monday, August 26
Please be advised that Westdale's water supply will be temporarily turned off for 15 minutes at some point between 8:00 AM and 12:00 PM on Monday morning, August 26. This is to allow for necessary maintenance. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
Terryberry Branch- Large Format Printer Matte Paper Out of Stock
Matte paper is currently out of stock for the Large Format Printer at the Terryberry Branch Makerspace. Thank you for your understanding.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Last Updated: August 23, 2024.
The City of Hamilton experienced a cybersecurity incident on Feb. 26. Learn more.
Good news, HPL Members: As of July 24, you can access the HPL Catalogue and HPL app! You can now log into your Library accounts, browse, borrow, and place new (or adjust) Holds on your devices.
Access to Libby, OverDrive and most online resources (Kanopy, Hoopla, etc.) are available. Enter your HPL library card number and PIN.
As of July 18, HPL Members HAVE access to partner libraries' (Burlington, London, Kingston, Mississauga and Ottawa) digital collections once again.
I have questions. Who can answer them?
Email askus@hpl.ca, call 289-779-7588 or chat at hpl.ca.
Jump to:
Borrowing
Can I place holds?
Yes. Members can access the HPL Catalogue and HPL app. Log into your Library accounts, browse, borrow and place new (or adjust) Holds on your devices.
When can I pick up my holds?
You will be notified when your Holds are available for pickup.
How long can I borrow physical library materials, eBooks and eAudiobooks?
You have 21 days to enjoy your physical items.
Should I bring back my overdue materials now?
Yes, please. We now have a process for checking in items. Please bring back your items so others can enjoy them, too.
Are there fines for overdue materials?
HPL permanently eliminated fines on all materials as of March 1, 2022.
Does my library card work online?
Some eResources are available without a library card. Visit HPL online and call 289-779-7588, email askus@hpl.ca, or chat with Staff.
When can I pick up my holds?
You will be notified when your Holds are available for pickup.
Services
Are branches open?
Yes, branches are open hpl.ca/hours. Extended Access is cancelled.
Which branches are open on Sundays?
Central Library is open Sunday from Noon-5pm and the Dundas, Red Hill, Terryberry, Turner Park, Valley Park and Waterdown Branches are open 1-5pm. Please check hpl.ca/hours for up-to-date schedules.
Is Study Hall open?
No. The last day of Study Halls was Thursday, June 27. This service resumes on Tuesday, September 3, 2024..
Can I visit the Bookmobile?
Yes. And there are more sites throughout the region. Specific days and times for each location are listed at hpl.ca/bookmobile.
Can I use a computer?
No. Our public computers are not currently available. We’re working on a solution to get them back in action quickly.
Can I get help with my tech devices?
Yes. We have drop-in tech programs or you can book an appointment for a one-on-one session. Please bring in your device.
Can I use the Wi-Fi?
Public Wi-Fi is available at most branches, but it is not yet available at the Ancaster branch. For more information, please call 289-779-7588, email askus@hpl.ca, or chat with Staff.
Is Local History and Archives open?
Central Library's LHA 3rd Floor in-person reading room and Staff are available. In-room reference material, microfilm and other in-person services are available. Online image searching is not available.
Are Makerspaces open?
Select Makerspace equipment is available. For a list of available equipment, visit HPL.ca/makerspace. Visit HPL online and call 289-779-7588, email askus@hpl.ca, or chat with library Staff with any questions.
Are in-person programs offered?
Yes. Visit hpl.ca/events for a full listing.
Are room rentals available?
Not yet. This service is expected to return in January 2025. Please check hpl.ca for updates.
Is food and drink permitted?
Visitors can consume covered drinks and snacks while at a branch. However, to keep our spaces tidy, hot meals (burgers, fries, pizza, etc.) are not permitted.
Can I suggest a Book Club Kit title for HPL’s collection?
We are not able to accept suggestions at this time. However, Book Clubs are still circulating.
Can I make a suggestion for purchase?
HPL welcomes suggestions for purchase. Submit a suggestion here.
Is the Home Library Service running?
Yes. Read more information about the Home Library Service.
Can I use my HPL card at other library systems?
Please check with our neighbouring library systems (Burlington, Kingston, London, Mississauga and Ottawa). Other systems may have different services and policies.
Can I make a request for an interlibrary loan?
Yes. If you can’t find what you’re looking for in HPL’s catalogue, please fill out the Interlibrary Loan Request form to access items from library systems across Ontario and Canada.
What can I do with my card?
- Use it at any Library branch in Hamilton.
- Borrow books, CDs, movies, magazines, video games and more.
- Access online resources such as newspapers, articles and special databases (consumer reports, auto repair, genealogy research).
- Download eBooks, eAudiobooks, music, movies and magazines.
- Use digital media labs and Makerspaces (limited services available during the cybersecurity outage).
- Access Hamilton's Civic Museums for free.
Can I register for a new library card?
Yes. Anyone living, working or studying in Hamilton can register for a free Library card at any HPL branch. However, new cards made during the cybersecurity outage can't access Libby, OverDrive and Kanopy. Please bring proof of your current address and identification, such as:
- A valid driver's license (permanent or temporary)
- Ontario photo card
- Two pieces of current identification (one should include your current address)
Print / Copy / Scan / Laminate
Can I print remotely and pick up at a branch?
No. The network outage prevents us from offering this service for now.
Can I print, photocopy or scan at a branch?
USB Printing is now available on the 2nd Floor of Central Library and at the Ancaster, Barton, Red Hill, Terryberry, Kenilworth, Turner Park, Valley Park, Westdale branches. Members need to bring a USB drive with their files saved on it. Staff will release the prints.