Due to scheduled maintenance, public computers at Study Hall locations (Dundas, Red Hill, Terryberry, Turner Park, Valley Park and Waterdown) will be unavailable beginning at 9:00 PM this evening. The work is expected to be completed by midnight.
Study Hall Locations: Public Computers Unavailable
Published:
Tuesday, April 7, 2026 - 2:30pm
Concession Branch - Renovations, April 7-10
Please note that there is higher than usual noise levels and odors due to renovations taking place this week. Thank you in advance for your patience.
Published:
Tuesday, April 7, 2026 - 2:30am
Terryberry Branch Accessible Washroom Out of Order
The accessible washroom on the 1st floor at Terryberry Branch is not working. We aim to get it fixed quickly.
Published:
Saturday, April 4, 2026 - 12:00pm
Central Library: SAD Therapy Lamp Out of Order
The Seasonal Affective Disorder therapy lamp on the 2nd floor at Central Library is out of order. The estimated time of disruption is unknown at this time. For more locations, please visit Light Therapy Lamps | HPL.
Published:
Monday, March 23, 2026 - 10:00am
Central Library: Children's Area Renovation on 2nd Floor, March 30-April 27
Starting March 30, renovations for the 2nd floor Central Children's Area will begin. Programs will still be offered as scheduled and there will be a temporary pop-up Children’s Area on the northeast side of the 2nd floor (near the Piano Room), including access to collections and train tables. Thank you for your patience during this time.
Published:
Monday, March 23, 2026 - 9:00am
Bookmobile Service Modifications
Due to driver availability, Bookmobile is off the road for the following. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Wednesday, April 15
- Swansea 10:00-10:30 am - Cancelled
- Helen Detwiler 11am-Noon - Cancelled
- Warplane Museum 3-4 pm - Cancelled
Thursday, April 16
- Rockton 10:30-11:30 am - Cancelled
- Mohawk Gardens 2:30-3 pm - Cancelled
- Meadowlands 3:30-4 pm - Cancelled
Tuesday, April 21
- Greencedar 5:30pm-6:30pm (instead of 4-5pm)
- Mountview 5:30-6:30 pm - Cancelled
Friday, April 24
- Winona 11 am-Noon - Cancelled
- Maplewood 2:30-4 pm - Cancelled
Tuesday, April 28
- McMaster 3:30-4:30 pm - Cancelled
Wednesday, April 29
- Swansea 10-10:30 am - Cancelled
- Helen Detwiler 11 am-Noon - Cancelled
- Warplane Museum 3-4 pm - Cancelled
Published:
Monday, March 16, 2026 - 10:15am
Central Library - New Library Card Check-in Process
Starting Monday, March 16, adults 18+ are required to show their Library card to access Central Library. This is a temporary measure to ensure safety for all. Thank you for your patience in advance.
Published:
Friday, March 13, 2026 - 5:45pm
Valley Park Community Centre Closure
From March 23 until April 12, Valley Park Community Centre will be closed for renovations, reopening April 13. Pool and changerooms will remain closed until early summer 2026.
Valley Park Branch will remain open during the renovations for your library needs.
Published:
Friday, February 27, 2026 - 11:00am
Concession Branch: Renovations
As of Monday, March 2, Concession Branch's Living Room and Makerspace areas are closed. (The next nearest Makerspaces are Sherwood and Terryberry Branches.) Seating may be limited at times. Renovations are expected to be completed in late Spring. Thank you for your patience.
Published:
Tuesday, February 10, 2026 - 1:00pm
Sherwood Branch: Renovations
As of Monday, March 2, Sherwood Branch's 2nd floor is closed due to renovations. Makerspace, Children and Teen's collection are temporarily available on the 1st floor. All programs will be held in the basement program room. Renovations are expected to be completed in late Spring. Thank you for your patience.
Published:
Tuesday, February 10, 2026 - 1:00pm
Carlisle Branch Accessible Washroom Out of Order
The accessible washroom at Carlisle Branch is not working. We aim to get it fixed quickly.
Published:
Tuesday, January 27, 2026 - 12:30pm
History of City Hall
Town Hall (1839-1887)
After the incorporation of Hamilton in 1846, council decided that it was necessary to spruce up the hall so that it was more suitable for their new status. It was also at this time that the Market Hall first began to be called the City Hall rather than the Town Hall. The grandeur of such new status faced its first true test in 1862 as Hamilton faced bankruptcy. The furnishings of the centre of civic pride were attached by the bailiff and ordered to be sold at auction. Some of the effects from the city on auction caused great consternation to the civic fathers, including the mayor's chair for which only $6.00 was offered. The armchairs used by councillors and aldermen went for $1.05 apiece to Mr. James Cummings, Esq. who purchased much of the goods for sale. He later loaned the items back to the city (16).
This was not the first time that the city had found itself embarrassed for funds. In 1836, before incorporation, the town had made an arrangement with the American Presbyterian Church on the east side of John Street to buy a bell for the use of the city and install it in the church tower (17). In 1838, to their surprise, a partner in the firm of bell makers from West Troy, N.Y. arrived with a debenture for payment of £100. City Council stated that "[t]he matter was this day considered by the Board, some of the members of 1836 being present, and they came to the Resolution of taking the bell and paying for the same" (18).
This was easier said than done. On December 1, 1838, the City Clerk wrote to the bell makers: "[l]aid your letter before the Board, and am sorry to say that it is out of our power to remit even a part of the sum due you immediately, as we had hope to have done long ago, but I am directed to inform you, that as soon as we can raise £50, it shall be forwarded to you, or the whole, if practical. Our collector is exerting himself to call in the taxes, in which, if he is tolerably successful, we shall not have to try your patience much longer" (19). A year later, in December 1839, the Treasurer was ordered "to give Mr. Berrie £50 in part payment of the Town Bell" (20).
