Borrowing

What do I need to borrow material?

To borrow library materials, you will need your library card number and your PIN. A PIN is assigned when you register for a card.

You can change this PIN at any time, through your My HPL library account or at any library branch. Please make sure you bring identification when you wish to make changes to your account in person.

How long can I borrow material?

The loan period for most circulating items is 21 days. As of Monday, August 31, 2026, new loan periods take effect to shorten wait times for popular hold items. The list below reflects these changes.

• Express DVDs – 3 days 
• DVDs and Blu-rays - 7 days (fiction, children's and languages)
• DVDs and Blu-rays - 14 days (non-fiction and TV series)
• Bestseller Express - 14 days
• Books - 21 days
• Magazines - 7 days (adult and children's, non-renewable)
• Music/Books on CD - 21 days 
• Children's Express - 21 days
• Park Passes - 7 days
• Book Club Kits - 42 days
• Home Library Service Members’ loan period - 120 days

When you check out materials you will receive a receipt with the due date for the items you have borrowed. A receipt can also be emailed to you. You can also check MyHPL for due dates.

Borrowing Limits

For more information about library cards, see Types of Library cards.

Renewals

Items that are eligible for renewal will automatically be renewed on the due date up to three (3) times following initial checkout. Members with email notification will receive an email informing them of which items have been renewed and which items will be due.

The following items are not eligible for renewal:

• Items requested by another member
• Magazines
• DVD Express
• Bestseller Express

Renewal of Interlibrary loan materials is subject to the guidelines of the lending library.

Reserves/Holds

Members may reserve an item to be picked up at a preferred location. This is referred to as placing an item on “hold.” Upon notification that a reserve is available, members have 7 open days to pick up the item. The following physical items cannot be reserved:

• Magazines
• DVD Express
• Bestseller Express

Returns

Items borrowed from the Hamilton Public Library need to be returned to an HPL location. Drop boxes are available for the return of items when the location is closed. If a Hamilton Public Library item is returned to another library system in error, the card holder is responsible for all fees and associated charges. Certain items may need to be returned during open hours.

Suspension of Borrowing Privileges

Borrowing privileges are suspended when members have overdue materials over the threshold limit. Suspensions only apply to physical borrowing; digital collections and resources remain accessible.

Partnerships

HPL cardholders can also borrow materials from Burlington Public Library. Read more about this partnership at More to Borrow | HPL
Through OverDrive/Libby HPL cardholders can access eBooks and eAudiobooks at Burlington, Ottawa, London, Milton, Kingston and Mississauga libraries. Read more information about this partnership at hpl.ca/More-to-Borrow.