Library Card Access Pilot

June 12, 2026

Hamilton Public Library has released its review of the Central Library Card Access Pilot. The evaluation reviewed the pilot's impact on safety, services, library operations and people's experience using the library.  Read the Central Library Card Access Pilot Evaluation.

Pilot Project Ends Saturday May 16

Hamilton Public Library’s Central Library welcomes thousands of people daily, including children, families, students, newcomers, job seekers and seniors who depend on the Library for learning, community and support.  

During the winter of 2025–2026, Central Library experienced a significant increase in disruptive behaviour, illegal drug use and suspected overdoses within the building and the surrounding York Boulevard corridor. These challenges affected the Library’s ability to provide a safe and welcoming environment for all visitors. 

In response, the Hamilton Public Library Board approved a temporary two-month Central Library Card Access Pilot Project beginning March 16, 2026. The pilot required adults (18 and older) to show a valid Hamilton Public Library card to access the main library spaces. Children and teens under 18 were exempt. 

The pilot concluded on Saturday May 16. Regular operations and public access resumed on Tuesday May 19. 

The pilot was introduced to test whether temporary access procedures could help reduce harmful incidents, improve safety and support more stable library operations during a period of heightened challenges related to the toxic drug crisis. 

Public and Organizational Feedback

Hamilton Public Library gathered feedback from the public, community partners and other Hamilton organizations. 

• Public: The survey closed May 17. This survey was anonymous and intended for the general public.
• Current Central Library Partners: A survey was distributed directly via email. This survey is not anonymous and is intended for our current partners.
• Non-Partner Hamilton Organizations: A survey was made available and closed on May 9. This survey was not anonymous and intended for Hamilton organizations (or “interested parties”) that do not currently have a formal partnership with Central Library. 

Participating organizations will be listed in a future report to the HPL Library Board.

Pilot Evaluation and Public Reporting 

Hamilton Public Library will review information collected during the pilot, including: 

• Operational data  

• Incident reports  

• Staff feedback  

• Community and partner feedback  

• Survey results  

The findings will help determine the pilot project’s impact and effectiveness. 

The results will be presented to the Hamilton Public Library Board at a public meeting at Central Library on June 18, 2026. The meeting will include an overview of the findings and provide an opportunity for community members to ask questions and share feedback. 

Additional details about the meeting will be shared in advance. 

How the Findings Will Be Used

The findings from the pilot project will help inform Hamilton Public Library’s future responses to the toxic drug crisis in downtown Hamilton and guide decisions on how the Library may address similar operational and safety challenges. 

Pilot Details

Dates 

March 16 to May 16, 2026 

Access Requirements During the Pilot 

Adults (18+) were required to show a valid Hamilton Public Library card to access Central Library floors. Children and teens were exempt. 

Parents and caregivers were required to present their own library card. 

Access for Visitors Without a Library Card 

Visitors without a library card could register for one free of charge. Staff and Community Connectors were available to assist individuals facing identification or access challenges. 

Individuals who did not live, work or attend school in Hamilton could show identification to access the building. 

Library Services Continued 

Central Library remained open throughout the pilot and continued to provide access to collections, computers, study spaces, programs and other library services. 

Hamilton Public Library staff, Community Connectors, Peer Support Workers, Security and the Leadership Team remained available throughout the building to support visitors, provide assistance and connect individuals to community services where appropriate. 

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