The accessible washroom at Ancaster Branch is not working. We aim to get it fixed quickly.
Ancaster Branch Accessible Washroom Out of Order
Published:
Friday, January 23, 2026 - 9:00am
Bookmobile Stops Cancelled
The Winona (11am-12pm) and Queen Victoira (3-4pm) Bookmobile stop on January 23 is cancelled. Apologies for this inconvenience.
Published:
Friday, January 23, 2026 - 8:30am
Cold Weather Alert for the City of Hamilton
Cold Weather Alert for the City of Hamilton January 22, 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.
Published:
Thursday, January 22, 2026 - 5:00pm
Locke Branch - Filming Nearby
Filming will take place at 86 Homewood Avenue from January 28-30, 7 am-11 pm. Production vehicles and equipment will be located on the north side of Stanley Avenue between Locke Street South and Kent Street. This will impact the availability of side-street parking. Thank you for your patience.
Published:
Thursday, January 22, 2026 - 3:00pm
Central Library - Sunday Hours Paused
Effective Sunday, February 1, Sunday service hours at Central Library will be paused.
Sunday Hours will continue at Dundas, Red Hill, Terryberry, Turner Park, Valley Park and Waterdown Branches from 1-5pm.
Published:
Wednesday, January 21, 2026 - 11:00am
Central Library - Daily Hours Update
Starting Monday, February 2, Central Library's daily hours will move back to a 9 am opening instead of 8 am, Monday through Saturday. Please make note of this new service change for your next visit. www.hpl.ca/hours
Published:
Wednesday, January 21, 2026 - 11:00am
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
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
Hamilton Public Library reopens its 22 branches
Welcome Back: Hamilton Public Library reopens its 22 branches
In-branch services include browsing and computer use
HAMILTON, ON – July 29, 2020 – Beginning July 30, HPL branches are open for browsing, holds pickup, computer access and use of printers, scanner, fax and Central Makerspace equipment. New branch hours are Tuesday-Thursday 11AM-7PM and Friday- Saturday 11AM-5PM. No computers available at Locke branch.
In-branch service updates include:
- All visitors are required to have a library card to ensure accurate contact tracing.
- Hamilton’s mask bylaw: Members visiting a branch are requested to wear masks. HPL will provide a free mask for members needing one.
- Members and staff are expected to practice physical distancing.
- Increased cleaning and sanitizing protocols are in place. Hand sanitizer is available for members and staff.
- Staff wear PPE.
- Each facility has reduced maximum capacity.
- In-branch furniture and computers are spaced to accommodate distancing and protection, including plexiglass barriers at staff service desks.
- Returned items are quarantined for 72 hours.
- In-person programs or events are not yet available.
- Fax and Makerspace equipment (except Sound and Video studios) is only offered at Central Library.
- Bookmobile and Visiting Library Service returns in Fall.
- Members needing additional help should call 905.546.3200, email AskHPL@hpl.ca or chat with staff at hpl.ca.
Please return items to book drops. All library materials are quarantined for 72 hours before being checked in, so it may take a few days for the update to be reflected on your account.
When visiting HPL, all adults and children must wear a mask (per the City bylaw) and show their library card for contact tracing. Staff will first ask health-screening questions and if clear, direct members to available in-branch services. If a visitor isn’t a card-holder yet, or doesn’t have their card, staff can make a new card or look up their account number.
“We’re moving to Phase 3 because of the collective work of people in our community. We’re excited to welcome back all Hamilton Public Library members. All branches have increased cleaning and new services,” says Paul Takala, CEO/Chief Librarian, Hamilton Public Library. “It’s truly an example of Hamilton’s resilience that we’re rounding the bend. Let’s continue to make good progress by working together to reopen slowly and safely. We hope to see you at a branch soon.”
HPL’s virtual branch is always open. Visit hpl.ca for online resources and programs, including Storytimes, author readings, book clubs, crafts, tech classes and more.
Reach library staff by phone 905.546.3200, email AskHPL@hpl.ca or online chat at hpl.ca. For the latest library service updates and resources, visit www.hpl.ca/reopens.
