Tuesday, April 28 is the National Day of Mourning to remember and honour those who have died, been injured or suffered illness in the workplace. All HPL Branches will observe a minute of silence at 11am to honour their memories. Please remove your hats and silence your devices out of respect.
Due to software maintenance, HPL library's catalogue, online services and library accounts will not be available between 9am and 7pm on Monday, May 18. Thank you for your patience.
Due to Staff training, Central Library will close from 11am to Noon on Tuesday, May 5. You may visit Locke and Barton Branches as the next nearest locations for your library needs. Thank you for your patience.
Renovations are expected to be completed by May 7. Construction repairs and noise may impact your next visit. Thank you for your understanding.
Due to maintenance and construction, Study Hall is cancelled on Thursdays, April 16 and 23 (8pm-Midnight). The parking lot will also not be available on Thursday, April 23 (10pm-5am) and Friday, April 24 (10pm-5am). We apologize for the inconvenience.
Due to Staff training, Mount Hope Branch will have a delayed opening of 2 pm on Monday, May 4. You may visit Turner Park Branch as the next nearest location for your library needs. Thank you for your patience.
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.
Due to driver availability, Bookmobile is off the road for the following. We apologize for the inconvenience.
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
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.
Early Years Engineering Kits
Engineering is for Everyone.
Looking to introduce STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) to your young children? There are six Early Years Engineering Kits filled with books and toys to encourage and support preschoolers (ages 2-6) in learning more about Engineering. Members may place a hold with a Hamilton Public Library card (physical or eCard).
If you don’t have a Hamilton Public Library card, register online or visit any HPL branch and complete an application form.
The following themed kits are offered in partnership with the McMaster Engineering Community Outreach team. The team works to provide first-rate, barrier-free, transformational learning opportunities from toddlers to young adults in the Hamilton community.
Early Years Engineering Kit: Busy Board
Early Years Engineering Kit: Forest Stacker
Early Years Engineering Kit: Magnetic Tiles
Early Years Engineering Kit: Shape Patterns
Early Years Engineering Kit: Stone Stacker
Early Years Engineering Kit : STEM Kit: Building and Stacking
How long may I borrow each kit?
You may borrow any of the kits for 21 days, with up to three (3) renewals.
When can I attend the Early Years Engineers program at my local branch?
Visit hpl.ca/guide or hpl.ca/events for programming dates and times offered.
How can I support my young child in learning about Engineering?
Early childhood is the natural starting point for learning about Engineering. Young children are curious and want to explore their environments. Encourage your child to garden, build forts, stack blocks, or play with cups in the bathtub. Hands-on play is the best way to support your natural engineer.
Who are Engineers?
Engineers apply science and math to solve problems. They design, analyze, build and test machines, complex systems, structures, gadgets and materials.








