Terryberry Branch Accessible Door Out of Order

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

1
Published:
Friday, August 1, 2025 - 4:45pm
Locke Branch - Filming Nearby

Filming will take place near the Locke Branch from August 4 to 8, which will impact traffic flow and parking. We apologize for the inconvenience.

  • East and West Side of Locke Street South
  • North and South Side of Herkimer Street
  • North and South Side of Stanley Avenue
1
Published:
Thursday, July 31, 2025 - 11:30am
Online Resources/HPL Catalogue - Monday, August 4, Civic Holiday

On Monday, August 4, Civic Holiday, due to IT network maintenance, HPL's catalogue will be searchable, but Holds and Library accounts, as well as online resources, will not be available. However, WiFi will remain accessible. We apologize for the inconvenience.

All Branches and Bookmobile Stops
Published:
Wednesday, July 30, 2025 - 3:00pm
Internet outage at Lynden Branch

The internet at Lynden Branch is not working. We aim to have it fixed quickly.

1
Published:
Wednesday, July 30, 2025 - 9:00am
All Branches Closed for Civic Holiday

All branches close on Sunday, August 3, 2025 and August 4, 2025 for the Civic Holiday. This includes branches with Extended Access.

All Branches and Bookmobile Stops
Published:
Monday, July 28, 2025 - 10:30am
Modified Bookmobile Service 

The following Bookmobile visits are modified on:

Thursday, July 31

  • Bennetto and Kinsmen - Cancelled

Friday, August 1

  • Winona Park - Cancelled

Monday, August 4 - All Bookmobile visits cancelled

Thursday, August 7

  • Rockton 10:30-11:30 am - Moved to Rockton Elementary School 670 Hwy 8 (this date only)

 

1
Affected Branch: Bookmobile
Nearest Branches: 
Published:
Friday, July 25, 2025 - 9:30am
Terryberry Branch Elevator Out of Order

The parking lot elevator at Terryberry Branch is not working. Members will need to use the accessible ramp at the Mohawk entrance and the inner elevator. We're working to get it fixed quickly.

1
Published:
Saturday, May 31, 2025 - 1:00pm
Public Computers - Audio Volume

Please note that the audio volume levels on our public computers are having issues. The estimated time of disruption is unknown at this time. Thank you for your patience.

All Branches and Bookmobile Stops
Published:
Thursday, May 29, 2025 - 4:00pm
Mount Hope Branch Accessibile Ramp Not Available

The accessibility ramp at Mount Hope Branch is damaged. The handrail is not available. The ramp will not be available while being repaired. We aim to fix it quickly.

Published:
Friday, May 23, 2025 - 4:30pm

Collections Policy

Policy Purpose

  • To provide a statement of philosophy and identify key objectives that reflect the Mission Statement and Strategic Priorities of the Hamilton Public Library with regard to the collection management, and access to collections.
  • To define the delegation of collections responsibilities.
  • To establish procedures to address suggestions for purchase, gifts, donations and objections lodge

Key Points Summary

  • The library’s collections policy outlines the philosophy and key objectives of the library’s collections development.
  • The ultimate accountability for the management of Library collections lies with the Chief Librarian but in practice is delegated to the Director of Collections.
  • The collections policy outlines the key criteria for the selection and deselection of materials.
  • The collections policy addresses suggestions for purchase, gifts, donations and objections lodged against items in our collection by community residents or organizations.

Definitions

Format is the physical form of material and applies to all literary, dramatic, musical and artistic works; sound recordings; and recorded performances. Formats include: print, audiovisual, digital and multimedia.

Interlibrary loans are transactions in which library materials are made available by one library to another; they include the provision of copies and microforms as substitutes for loans of the original materials.

Policy Details

Strong library collections are fundamental to public library service. The Hamilton Public Library (HPL) is committed to developing and maintaining diverse, relevant and responsive collections that meet and anticipate the changing needs of our customers.

The ultimate responsibility for the library’s collections lies with the Chief Librarian acting in accordance with the general policies established by the Library Board. In practice, this authority is delegated to the Director of Collections.

The Library Board, in establishing a Collections Policy, was cognizant othe Constitution Act, 1982, Part 1, Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, Section 2b, which guarantees everyone the following fundamental freedoms, freedom of thought, belief, opinion and expression, including freedom of the press and other media of communication. The Hamilton Public Library endorses the Position Statement on Intellectual Freedom and Libraries adopted by the Canadian Federation of Library Associations in 2016 and the Statement on the Intellectual Rights of the Individual adopted by the Ontario Library Association in 1998.

The presence of materials in the Library collections does not constitute an endorsement of their content or viewpoints by the Library Board. The Board recognizes that this policy is carried out in compliance and with due regard for all applicable legislation.

Where appropriate, HPL participates in resource sharing initiatives and consortium purchasing to provide the greatest access to library materials.