The elevator at Ancaster Branch is not working. We're working to get it fixed quickly.
Ancaster Branch Elevator Out of Order
Published:
Saturday, July 11, 2026 - 10:45am
Central Library - Fourth Floor Closure, Friday July 10
With the Steel Town Love special event taking place on Saturday, July 11, the Fourth Floor at Central Library will be closed for set-up all day on Friday, July 10. Makerspace and Newcomer Learning Centre will remain open.
The Fourth Floor will reopen its study spaces on Sunday, July 12, Noon-5 pm.
Published:
Monday, July 6, 2026 - 4:00pm
Express Items via OverDrive - Partner Libraries Update
As of July 1st, partner library Members can no longer borrow HPL Express items via Overdrive. More to Borrow partner libraries will be offering Lucky Express (Skip the line) titles to their cardholders only. This will help manage wait times for popular titles. Lucky Express is a collection of in demand titles with a seven-day loan period, available with no wait.
Our partners will still be able to borrow titles from the rest of our collection.
www.hpl.ca/more-to-borrow
Published:
Monday, July 6, 2026 - 10:00am
What's Happening Guide Changes
The What's Happening Guide has been retired and replaced with different communications channels and tactics. You can find the new Summer Reading Flyer here. Watch for future communications updates.
Published:
Monday, June 29, 2026 - 3:00pm
Sunday Hours Return to Central Library
Sunday hours return to Central Library. Beginning July 5, Central is open Noon to 5pm. Dundas, Red Hill, Terryberry, Turner Park, Valley Park and Waterdown branches are also open Sundays, 1 to 5pm. hpl.ca/hours
Published:
Monday, June 29, 2026 - 1:00pm
Study Halls Pause for Summer Break
After Hours Study Hall is not available in July and August. Hours will resume Tuesday, September 8. www.hpl.ca/study-halls
Published:
Tuesday, June 23, 2026 - 3:00pm
Construction at Barton Branch
The entrance to the Barton Branch's parking lot off Milton Street is currently inaccessible due to construction. Please use the alley entrance off Fullerton Street.
Published:
Wednesday, June 17, 2026 - 9:15am
Phishing Scheme
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.
Published:
Wednesday, June 10, 2026 - 5:00am
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:
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Operational data
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Incident reports
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Staff feedback
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Community and partner feedback
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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.
