City-Wide Outage, Library Service Impacted

HPL is recovering from the City of Hamilton's cybersecurity-related outage, which began Sunday February 25 and continues today, Thursday November 7. Learn more.

Public computers are available at all branches.
Printing is available at all branches. Photocopying is available at all branches except for the Terryberry, Concession, Dundas, and Red Hill branches. Scanning is not yet available.
Website log-in is available, access is restored to the catalogue, the HPL App is online, online eResources are available and Holds can be placed.
Public Wi-Fi is available at most branches except the Ancaster Branch.
Automatic check-ins are operating.
Makerspace services are available at select locations.

Contact Library Staff: call 289-779-7588, chat at hpl.ca, and email askus@hpl.ca. Branches are open. Check hpl.ca/events for program updates. Thank you for your patience.

Frequently Asked Questions | HPL

Publish Date:

Tuesday, October 29, 2024 - 8:00am

Notices

5

Sherwood Branch Elevator is Out of Service

The Sherwood Library Elevator for our program area is currently out of service. We are working with facilities staff to restore service as soon as possible.

Affected Branch:

Sherwood Branch

Nearest Branches:

Concession Branch

Kenilworth Branch

Publish Date:

Wednesday, November 6, 2024 - 10:00am

Mount Hope - Delayed Opening

Due to Staff training, the Mount Hope Branch will have a delayed opening of 2 pm on Wednesday, November 20. Please visit the Turner Park Branch as the next nearest location for your library needs.

Affected Branch:

Mount Hope Branch

Publish Date:

Tuesday, November 5, 2024 - 8:00am

Delayed Opening - Ancaster Branch

Due to Staff training, the Ancaster Branch will have a delayed opening of 10 am on Wednesday, November 20. Please visit the Dundas or Terryberry Branch as the next nearest locations for your library needs.

Affected Branch:

Ancaster Branch

Publish Date:

Tuesday, November 5, 2024 - 8:00am

Ending support for OverDrive's desktop apps and website MP3 downloads

On November 13, 2024, the MP3 audiobook format will be retired from HPL's OverDrive website and support for OverDrive's desktop apps for Windows and Mac (which only work with MP3 audiobooks) will not be available.

After this change, you can listen to audiobooks using the following options:

In Libby (available for Android, iOS, or Amazon Fire devices or at libbyapp.com in a web browser)
On HPL's OverDrive website using the Listen now in browser option
In the OverDrive app (only available in select countries)

Publish Date:

Monday, November 4, 2024 - 9:15am

Sherwood Branch - Elevator Out of Service

The elevator is currently out of order. Estimated time of disruption is unknown. Thank you for your patience.

Affected Branch:

Sherwood Branch

Nearest Branches:

Concession Branch

Valley Park Branch

Publish Date:

Thursday, October 31, 2024 - 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.