The computer lab on the 1st floor is currently out of order. There are limited public computers available on the 2nd floor. Printing and photocopying are still available. We apologize for the inconvenience.
The accessible washroom at Carlisle Branch is not working. We aim to get it fixed quickly.
Due to day-long IT maintenance (7am-5pm), the following branches are closed on Sunday, June 22: Central Library, Dundas, Red Hill, Terryberry, Turner Park, Valley Park and Waterdown. Sunday service hours resume on Sunday, June 29.
Please note that the HPL catalogue, Library accounts, and online resources will not be available during this time frame. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Due to Staff training, the Westdale Branch will open at 10am on Monday, June 16. You may visit Central Library and the Dundas Branch as your next nearest locations for your library needs. Thank you for your patience.
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.
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.
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.
Due to the ongoing roof repair project, noise and parking disruptions are expected to continue until the end of June. Thank you for your patience.
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.
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.
Chronology of Cities, Towns and Townships in Hamilton

This information contains a chronology of Cities, Towns and Townships in Hamilton, from their original survey and naming through to the present City of Hamilton.
Chronology
1788-1793
The townships at the Head-of-the-Lake were surveyed and named.
1802
The Home and Niagara Districts were created.
The Niagara District consisted of the Counties of Lincoln (four ridings) and Haldimand. This district included much of what became Wentworth County.
The Home District consisted of the County of York including the west riding which held the townships of Beverly and Flamborough.
1816
On March 22, 1816, a new district was created out of the old divisions of the Home and Niagara Districts. The new Gore District was named after Sir Francis Gore (1769-1852), Lieutenant-Governor of the colony. This district consisted of the two counties of Wentworth and Halton. At this time the boundaries of Wentworth County were not yet permanently fixed so it was determined that Wentworth would encompass the Townships of Saltfleet, Barton, Binbrook, Glanford, Ancaster and “so much of the County of Haldimand as lies between Dundas Street and the Village of Onondaga”.
1841
Act 4, Victoria established District Councils in Upper Canada.
1842
The first elections were held and 26 citizens were chosen to represent the townships of Gore.
1850
The Baldwin Municipal Act was passed.
This replaced the 1841 Act and replaced the District authorities with County Councils.
1851
The north-west portions of the old Gore District were combined to form the County of Brant but remained grouped with the United Counties of Wentworth and Halton.
1852
Brant County separated from the United Counties of Wentworth and Halton.
1853
The United Counties of Wentworth and Halton were separated by legislation into the two counties of Wentworth and Halton.
1960
The last of Barton Township was annexed by the City of Hamilton and the township ceased to exist.
1973
Bill 155 was passed to change Wentworth County into the Regional Municipality of Hamilton-Wentworth
January 1, 1974
The Regional Municipality of Hamilton-Wentworth came into being.
January 1, 2001
The new City of Hamilton came into being, incorporating the old city of Hamilton and the constituent municipalities of the old Regional Municipality of Hamilton-Wentworth.