Carlisle Branch Accessible Door Out of Order

The accessibility door at Carlisle Branch is not working. We aim to fix it quickly.

Published:
Thursday, June 25, 2026 - 2:45pm
Study Halls Pause for Summer Break

The last day of Study Hall is Thursday, June 25. The service will resume on Tuesday, September 8. www.hpl.ca/study-halls

Published:
Tuesday, June 23, 2026 - 3:00pm
Canada Day Closure - All Branches

All HPL Branches are closed on Canada Day, Wednesday, July 1st. Bookmobile is off the road and Extended Access is off the road. Regular service hours resume on Thursday, July 2. Our Virtual Branch is open at hpl.ca. www.hpl.ca/hours

Published:
Tuesday, June 23, 2026 - 3:00pm
Locke Branch - Exterior Neighbourhood Filming

From June 21 to June 27, filming activities, production vehicles and film equipment will be located on:

  • West side, Kent Street between Homewood Avenue and Aberdeen Avenue
  • East side Locke Street between Homewood Avenue and Stanley Street
  • South side of Homewood Avenue

Parking may be limited at times when visiting Locke Branch. Thank you in advance for your patience.

Published:
Thursday, June 18, 2026 - 2:30pm
Construction work at Barton Branch

The entrance to the Barton Branch parking lot off of Milton St. is currently inaccessible due to construction. The parking lot can still be accessed via the alley off Fullerton St. during this time.

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
Bookmobile Service Modification

Due to Driver availability, Bookmobile has the following schedule modifications for the month of June. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Bookmobile Service June Modifications 

Wednesday, June 24:              

  • Swansea - Cancelled
  • Helen Detwiler - Cancelled
  • Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum - Cancelled

Saturday, June 27:                

  • Stoney Creek Arena - Cancelled
  • Riverdale - Cancelled
  • Discovery Centre - 3-4pm instead 

Tuesday, June 30:              

  • Greencedar - Cancelled
  • Mountview - Cancelled
Published:
Friday, May 22, 2026 - 12:00pm

Contest Rules

Power of the Pen Contest Rules:

Power of the Pen Creative Writing Contest

Power of the Pen Contest Rules:   

  • Entrants must be between ages 12-18 and residents of Hamilton or a neighbouring city (a city that neighbours the borders of Hamilton municipal boundaries)
  • Each entrant may submit one poem, short story or both in the English and French categories. Each entry requires a separate entry form.
  • Short stories must be at most 2,500 words. Poems may be any length.
  • Please type entries in Arial 12-point size, double-spaced. Please number all pages and submit as a word document
  • Do not put your name anywhere on your work. Your name must be on the entry form only.
  • All submissions must be original. If it is fanfiction, the work of inspiration must be named.
  • The decision of the judges is final.
  • Please email mnichols@hpl.ca to make arrangements to pick-up judged submissions.
  • All entries are scanned to ensure originality. Each winning entry is scanned using plagiarism-identifying software. Plagiarized submissions will be disqualified. 
  • Please note, entries that do not meet format requirements will be disqualified.

Rules on Artificial Intelligence (AI) Use:

We recognize AI tools can be useful when revising writing. Contest participants are only allowed to use AI for technical assistance, such as correcting grammar or enhancing word choice. Using generative AI is not permitted to produce ideas, or create writing or art. On the contest entry form, you must acknowledge if, how, and when you used AI in your work.