Please note that the audio volume levels on our public computers are having issues. The estimated time of disruption is unknown at this time. Thank you for your patience.
Please note that the audio volume levels on our public computers are having issues. The estimated time of disruption is unknown at this time. Thank you for your patience.
As the 1st floor renovation wraps up, the Sherwood Branch will be closed on Thursday, June 5, to reset the spaces. Service hours will resume on Friday, June 6. Thank you for your patience.
Concession Branch's children's department will be closed on the morning of Monday, June 2nd for minor repairs. We apologize for the inconvenience.
The accessibility ramp at Mount Hope Branch is damaged. The handrail is not available. The ramp will not be available while being repaired. We aim to fix it quickly.
All HPL Branches are closed on Friday May 30 for Staff Development. Bookmobile is off the road and Extended Access is not available. HPL's online card registration, catalogue and eResources are not available until 5pm due to scheduled maintenance. All branches reopen Saturday May 31.
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.
Until Saturday May 31, the Ancaster Branch is temporarily relocated to the Ancaster Rotary Centre, 385 Jerseyville Road West, Ancaster. The Wilson Street branch is closed for a roof and HVAC replacement and is expected to reopen on Monday June 2 at 9am.
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.
HAMILTON, ON – May 13, 2021 – Hamilton Public Library is helping set up a library at the Hamilton-Wentworth Detention Centre with a donation of more than 4,500 new paperback books.
The books, which are a mix of fiction and non-fiction titles, will begin filling the shelves at the newly established library over the next month.
Sheri Murphy, Volunteer Coordinator, at the Hamilton-Wentworth Detention Centre is grateful for the start-up collection — especially because the jail is unable to accept donated books from the public. “These books about history, health, philosophy, poetry, politics and science, will enhance educational opportunities and increase literacy for inmates,” said Murphy.
According to the Canadian Federation of Library Associations, correctional institutions are made better by the programs and information-sharing opportunities provided by prison libraries. In a position adopted by the national advocacy group in 2016, “The provision of robust library services to inmates not only helps maintain basic rights, but also allows members of this population to explore their fullest potential.”
Canadian library wholesaler Whitehots, which is HPL’s main print vendor, was instrumental in curating the collection. “Whitehots is proud to support HPL in its mission to ensure collections are inclusive and accessible to everyone in Hamilton,” said President Edmund Salt.
This donation is also in keeping with HPL’s mandate to support non-profit organizations and social service agencies. “The Freedom to Discover is at the core of our work at HPL,” said Lisa Radha Weaver, HPL’s Director, Collections and Program Development. “We hope readers connect with a favourite author and use the collection to inspire and ignite new ideas.”