OverDrive Apps Latency

We are currently investigating an issue causing slowness/latency for users in Libby, Sora, LexisNexis, Kobo, and our OverDrive library sites. We aim to fix it quickly. Thank you for your patience.

All Branches and Bookmobile Stops
Published:
Thursday, April 24, 2025 - 3:15pm
Extended Access at Freelton Branch Unavailable

Extended Access at Freelton Branch is not working. We aim to fix it quickly. Apologies for the inconvenience.

Published:
Thursday, April 24, 2025 - 12:00pm
Ancaster Branch - Temporary Closure, May 5-31

From Monday, May 5 to Saturday, May 31, the Ancaster Branch will be temporarily closed due to a roof and HVAC replacement. During this time, service hours will be available at the Morgan Firestone Arena, 385 Jerseyville Road West, Ancaster. The last day to pick up your Holds is Thursday, May 1st. Thank you for your understanding.

www.hpl.ca/ancaster

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Published:
Wednesday, April 16, 2025 - 11:00am
Central Library - Microfilm Machine

The digital microfilm machines at Central Library are not working. A single analog machine is available, but it doesn't print. We aim to have the digital devices repaired as soon as possible. We apologize for the inconvenience.

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Affected Branch: Central Library
Published:
Thursday, April 10, 2025 - 3:30pm
Barton Branch - Roof Repair

Due to the ongoing roof repair project, noise and parking disruptions will continue until April 25. Thank you for your patience.

Published:
Tuesday, April 8, 2025 - 3:30pm
Sherwood Branch - Basement Renovation

The first phase of renovations will begin at the Sherwood Branch from April 10 to May 2. During this time, noise disruptions may occur throughout the branch due to a basement renovation. Parking, access to the building, and collections will not be affected. Thank you for your patience. www.hpl.ca/sherwood

Published:
Monday, April 7, 2025 - 8:30am
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.

All Branches and Bookmobile Stops
Published:
Thursday, April 3, 2025 - 10:30am

The Rights of Youth in the Public Library Policy

The Hamilton Public Library provides library service for children and youth to support and foster a lifelong love of reading and learning. The Hamilton Public Library Board fully endorses the Children’s Rights in the Public Library adopted at the Ontario Library Association Annual General Meeting, November 1998 and the Teen’s Rights in the Public Library adopted at the Ontario Library Association General Meeting, June 2010.  

DEFINITIONS 

In the absence of definitions provided by OLA, and for the purpose of this statement, the following definitions apply: 

Children: A person who is under the age of 18. 

Teen: A person who is between the age of 13 and 17. 

Youth: While the City of Hamilton identifies Youth to be a person between the ages of 14 and 29, for the purpose of this statement Youth refers to Teens (a person who is ages 13 to 17). 

Ontario Library Association’s Position on Children’s Rights in the Public Library 

Children in Public Libraries have the right to:  

  1. Intellectual freedom. 

  1. Equal access to the full range of services and materials available to other users.  

  1. A full range of materials, services and programs specifically designed and developed to meet their needs.

  1. Adequate funding for collections and services related to population, use and local community needs.  

  1. A library environment that complements their physical and developmental stages.

  1. Trained and knowledgeable staff specializing in children's services.

  1. Welcoming, respectful, supportive service from birth through the transition to adult user.   

  1. An advocate who will speak on their behalf to the library administration, library board, municipal council and community to make people aware of the goals of children's services. 

  1. Library policies written to include the needs of the child.