October is National Women’s History Month, opens a new window, a time to celebrate women and girls who contribute to a better, more inclusive Canada.
Celebrate the International Day of the Girl Child, opens a new window on October 11 and Persons Day, opens a new window on October 18.
Learn and celebrate this month with HPL’s collections, opens a new window, programs, and events.
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Horror Panel, opens a new window
(October 2) Emily Kellogg leads a panel conversation with authors Ai Jiang, and Emily A. Weedon and Andrew F. Sullivan for an unforgettable evening of spine-chilling stories and eerie insight.
Author Event, opens a new window
(October 16) Author Joy Fielding chats with Wendy O'Brien about her new book, Jenny Cooper Has a Secret. Register your seat.
Learn about our different book clubs, opens a new window this Fall. Read The Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai and join the conversation on Monday, October 20, 6:30 pm at RELAY Coffee Roasters (27 King William Street) in Books and Brews Book Club., opens a new window
2024-25 Writer in Residence
Meet Saumiya Balasubramaniam, the 2025-26 Mabel Pugh Taylor Writer in Residence., opens a new window During her eight-month stint, September 2025-April 2026, she will mentor creative writers in the Hamilton community, providing feedback on submissions in one-on-one meetings.
Take a Picture Book Masters Workshop, opens a new window on Saturday, October 4, 2pm at Central Library.
Learn more about the Writer-in-Residence program that mentors creative writers from the Hamilton community.
Live Music at HPL
Come listen to talented local musicians at the following Branches and Bookmobile visit:
Central Library – Noon Hour Concerts on Fridays
Dr.Gwyneth Thomson, opens a new window and Paul Barna (October 3)
Patti Payne Trio, opens a new window (October 10)
Ginger St. James, opens a new window (October 17)
Michaela Mathurin, opens a new window (October 24)
Ida Pelliccioli, opens a new window (October 31)
Ancaster Branch
Duo Petrichor, opens a new window (October 10)
Bookmobile at Discovery Centre
Kristen Prince, opens a new window (October 11)
Dundas Branch
Hayley Verrall, opens a new window (October 9)
Sherwood Branch
Piper and Carson, opens a new window (October 8)
Westdale Branch
Kristen Prince, opens a new window (October 1)
Programming
Learn traditional tarot reading techniques with professional tarot reader and teacher, and astrologer Liz Worth on Tuesday, October 15, at 6 pm at Central Library in the Art of Tarot Reading, opens a new window.
Speakers Emily Anson, Cole Thistle-Hill, and Dr. Scott Martin of McMaster University’s Department of Anthropology discuss how they co-built a collaborative archaeological field school in Indigenizing Ontario Archaeology, opens a new window (Wednesday, October 1, 6:30 pm at Central Library).
Learn How to Write a Horror Movie with author and script writer Monica La Vella. In this beginner workshop, learn the fundamentals of horror writing and how to turn your ideas into a script. Register, opens a new window to attend on Thursday, October 23, 5:30-6:30 pm at Westdale Branch.
Sharpen your writing skills with last year’s Writer in Residence and local author, Anna Chatterton. Register for The Horror of Writing Badly Writing Workshop, opens a new window on Friday, October 24, 4-5:30 pm at Kenilworth Branch.
Community Support Services
Women’s Education and Rural Support (WEARS) and Counselling, opens a new window is available Tuesdays (10am-Noon) at Dundas Branch, and Fridays (1:30-3:30pm) at Binbrook Branch. This WEARS program provides women with free and confidential counselling, advocacy, referrals, family court support, wellness, coping skills, safety planning, and workshops.
Jared’s Place Legal Advocacy and Resources for Women visits Central Library on Tuesday, October 14,
1-4 pm at Central Library’s Community Partner Desk, opens a new window.
Women in Canadian History: A Timeline - Women and Gender Equality Canada
Discover notable events in Canadian women’s history and learn more about the powerful women who created change.
Women of Impact in Canada - Women and Gender Equality Canada
An online gallery dedicated to women's achievements, featuring profiles of courageous women who have made an impact in politics, the arts and sciences, and countless other fields.