Central Library: SAD Therapy Lamp Out of Order

The Seasonal Affective Disorder therapy lamp on the 2nd floor at Central Library is out of order. The estimated time of disruption is unknown at this time. For more locations, please visit Light Therapy Lamps | HPL.

Published:
Monday, March 23, 2026 - 10:00am
Central Library: Children's Area Renovation on 2nd Floor, March 30-April 27

Starting March 30, renovations for the 2nd floor Central Children's Area will begin. Programs will still be offered as scheduled and there will be a temporary pop-up Children’s Area on the northeast side of the 2nd floor (near the Piano Room), including access to collections and train tables. Thank you for your patience during this time.

Published:
Monday, March 23, 2026 - 9:00am
Bookmobile Service Modifications

Due to driver availability, Bookmobile is off the road for the following. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Wednesday, March 26
Rockton 10:30-11:30am - Cancelled
Meadowlands 3:30-4pm - Cancelled
Bennetto 5-5:30pm (instead of 4-5:30pm)

Tuesday, March 31
Court at Rushdale - Reminder bi-weekly stop changed to 10:30-11am

Wednesday, April 1
Swansea 10:00-10:30am - CANCELLED
Helen Detwiler 11:00am-12:00pm - CANCELLED
Warplane Museum 3:00-4:00pm - CANCELLED

Friday, April 3 - Library Closed
All stops CANCELLED

Published:
Monday, March 16, 2026 - 10:15am
Central Library - New Library Card Check-in Process

Starting Monday, March 16, adults 18+ are required to show their Library card to access Central Library. This is a temporary measure to ensure safety for all. Thank you for your patience in advance.

Published:
Friday, March 13, 2026 - 5:45pm
Concession Branch Children's Area Reduced Service

A Children's area activity table, including the children's computers at Concession Branch are unavailable due to a facility issue. We aim to fix them as soon as possible.

Published:
Monday, March 9, 2026 - 11:30am
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
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
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
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

Library Card Access Pilot

Library Card Image

Take a short survey to help inform next steps about Central’s Library Card Access pilot: hpl.ca/card-access-survey


Library Card Access Pilot; Check-in Process

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.  

Throughout winter, the Library saw a rise in disruptive behaviour and illegal drug use, which undermined its ability to provide a safe, welcoming space for all visitors.  

To address these challenges while ensuring vital services, Hamilton Public Library is launching a pilot requiring a library card to access the floors at Central Library.  

Pilot Details

Dates: March 16 for up to two months  

Adults (18+) must show a library card to access Central Library floors during the pilot. Children and teens are exempt.  

Why Are We Doing This Pilot?  

This pilot aims to lower incidents at Central Library so families, students, seniors, job seekers and other visitors can use the space safely.  

Our Commitment to Access

Hamilton Public Library is committed to serving everyone in our community. Staff will assist visitors in obtaining a card and connecting with services, including support for individuals without a permanent address.  

At the same time, the Library aims to provide a safe environment where families, students, seniors, staff and visitors can use the spaces comfortably.  

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Library card to enter Central Library?  

During the pilot, adults (18+) must show a valid Hamilton Public Library card to enter Central Library. Children and teens are not required to show a card.  

What if I don’t have a Library card?  

Library staff can help visitors register for a card quickly. Cards are free for Hamilton residents.   

What if I don’t have an address or identification?  

Staff can assist individuals who may not have a fixed address.   

Can I still attend programs or pick up holds?  

Yes. Library services, programs and collections will continue to operate as usual.   

How long is the pilot?  

The pilot runs from March 16 for up to two months. 

Get a Library Card
Letter to Residents