Bookmobile Service Modifications

With the recent closure of Six Nations Public Library, HPL's Bookmobile will change its bi-weekly visits to weekly starting Friday, March 13.

Starting Tuesday, March 17, Court at Rushdale moves to bi-weekly on Tuesdays (10:30am-11am), instead of Fridays.

www.hpl.ca/bookmobile

Published:
Friday, March 6, 2026 - 1:45pm
HPL Telephone Main Line Roll Back

HPL's original phone number is back in service. Please call 905-546-3200. The 289-779-7588 number, created due to the 2024 cybersecurity incident, is also working.

Published:
Friday, March 6, 2026 - 9:15am
Valley Park Community Centre Closure

From March 23 until April 12, Valley Park Community Centre will be closed for renovations, reopening April 13. Pool and changerooms will remain closed until early summer 2026. 

Valley Park Branch will remain open during the renovations for your library needs.

www.hpl.ca/valley-park

Published:
Friday, February 27, 2026 - 11:00am
Sherwood Branch: Renovations

As of Monday, March 2, Sherwood Branch's 2nd floor is closed due to renovations. Makerspace, Children and Teen's collection are temporarily available on the 1st floor. All programs will be held in the basement program room. Renovations are expected to be completed in late Spring. Thank you for your patience.

Published:
Tuesday, February 10, 2026 - 1:00pm
Concession Branch: Renovations

As of Monday, March 2, Concession Branch's Living Room and Makerspace areas are closed. (The next nearest Makerspaces are Sherwood and Terryberry Branches.) Seating may be limited at times. Renovations are expected to be completed in late Spring. Thank you for your patience.

Published:
Tuesday, February 10, 2026 - 1:00pm
Central Library - Living Room Renovation Preparation

Starting Tuesday February 10, the First Floor Living Room is closed due to renovation preparations. Study and work spaces are available on Floors 2-4. Thank you for your patience.

Published:
Friday, February 6, 2026 - 9:00am
Bookmobile Service Modification

Please note the following Bookmobile visit updates.

Friday, March 6
Winona: 11am-Noon - Cancelled
Queen Victora: 3-4pm - Cancelled

Published:
Monday, February 2, 2026 - 3:15pm
Carlisle Branch Accessible Washroom Out of Order

The accessible washroom at Carlisle Branch is not working. We aim to get it fixed quickly.

Published:
Tuesday, January 27, 2026 - 12:30pm

Local History and Archives Policy

Policy Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to outline the mandate, scope and objectives of the Hamilton Public Library’s Local History and Archives collections and archival activities and the authority under which the department operates. 

This policy articulates the key objectives with respect to the acquisition, preservation and access to materials in the Local History and Archives collections which will reflect the Mission Statement and Strategic Priorities of the Hamilton Public Library. The policy outlines process and expectation to assure transparency, accountability and preservation of trust. 

Key Points Summary

  • The library’s Local History and Archives Policy outlines the key principles and key objectives of the library’s archival collection development and access. 

  • The Local History and Archives Policy outlines the key criteria for the acquisition, access and reappraisal of archival materials.

  • A central role of Local History and Archives is to collect, preserve and make accessible materials which illustrate the history of the Hamilton area and its peoples. 

Definitions

Accession is the formal acceptance into custody and recording of an acquisition. 

Acquisition is an addition to the holdings of a repository. 

Archival Processing is the physical and intellectual control work done by archives employees to fully prepare archival materials for use, access and long-term preservation. 

Deaccession is the removal of material from the holdings of a repository. 

Digital Preservation is the management and protection of digital information to ensure authenticity, integrity, reliability, and long-term accessibility of digitized and born-digital information. 

Digitization is the process of transforming analog information into digital form. 

Preservation encompasses actions taken to extend the useable life of material and records by minimizing physical and chemical deterioration, preventing loss of information and ensuring continual access and use over time. 

Reappraisal is the process of identifying material that no longer merits inclusion in a repository. 

 

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