The washrooms at Barton Branch are out of order. We aim to get them fixed quickly.
Barton Branch Washrooms Out of Order
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Published:
Tuesday, October 7, 2025 - 5:15pm
Online Resources - Sunday, October 12
Due to network maintenance, online resources are not available on Sunday, October 12, from 6 am to 5 pm. Thank you for your patience.
All Branches and Bookmobile Stops
Published:
Tuesday, October 7, 2025 - 2:30pm
Delayed Branch Openings
The following locations have upcoming delayed openings due to Staff training drills.
Monday, October 20
Ancaster Branch, 10 am
Tuesday, October 21
Central Library, 10 am
Sherwood Branch, 10 am
You may visit nearby Branches for your library needs. www.hpl.ca/hours
All Branches and Bookmobile Stops
Published:
Tuesday, October 7, 2025 - 2:00pm
Bookmobile Service Modification
On Wednesday, October 8, the Helen Detwiler (320 Brigade Drive) visit has been changed to 11-11:30 am this week. Thank you for your understanding.
Published:
Tuesday, October 7, 2025 - 2:00pm
Branch Closures - Thanksgiving
All HPL Branches are closed on Thanksgiving Monday, October 13. Bookmobile is off the road. Extended Access and Study Hall services are not available. Regular service hours resume on Tuesday, October 14. Our Virtual Branch is open at hpl.ca.
All Branches and Bookmobile Stops
Published:
Monday, October 6, 2025 - 2:00pm
All Branches Closed for October 12
All branches close on Sunday, October 12, 2025 for Thanksgiving. This includes branches with Extended Access.
All Branches and Bookmobile Stops
Published:
Monday, October 6, 2025 - 2:00pm
Bookmobile Service Modification
Due to the ongoing Mohawk College Support Staff strike, the Bookmobile visit on Monday, October 6, is cancelled. You may select Terryberry Branch as an alternative location to pick up your Holds. On Wednesday, October 8, the Helen Detwiler visit is changed to 11-11:30 am this week.
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Bookmobile Stop:
Published:
Friday, September 26, 2025 - 3:00pm
Interlibrary Loan Service on Pause
Interlibrary Loan (ILLO) service will be temporarily paused starting Friday, September 26, due to continued negotiations between CUPW and Canada Post. We apologize for the inconvenience.
All Branches and Bookmobile Stops
Published:
Friday, September 26, 2025 - 1:00pm
Replacement and Damage Fees
Bring back your borrowed library items (due Oct 1 or later) within 28 days to avoid a replacement or lost fee. We'll remove the fee when you bring back your overdue items.
All Branches and Bookmobile Stops
Published:
Thursday, September 11, 2025 - 3:00pm
Kenilworth Branch - Temporary Closure (Sept 2 - Oct 14)
Due to roof repair maintenance, the Branch is temporarily closed from September 2 until October 14. Please visit the Red Hill, Parkdale, and Barton locations as your nearest branches for your library needs. Thank you for your patience.
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Published:
Monday, August 11, 2025 - 8:00am
Fright Fest
Uncover the eerie, explore the uncanny, and celebrate all things spooky this fall at Hamilton Public Library. From Gothic art and haunted history to horror writing, tarot, crafts and classic films, HPL is your destination for spine-tingling stories and hair-raising happenings.
Explore the full schedule.
Dare to join us. If you’re brave enough.
Books and Writing
Horror Writing Workshops
Various Dates and Locations
Sharpen your storytelling in horror-themed writing sessions with local authors, including a special event with HPL’s 2024-25 Writer-in-Residence, Anna Chatterton.
Register
Horror Panel with Emily Kellogg, Andrew F. Sullivan, Ai Jiang, and Emily A. Weedon
Thursday, October 2: 6:30pm – 7:30pm
Central Library
Emily Kellogg leads a panel conversation with authors Andrew F. Sullivan, Ai Jiang, and Emily A. Weedon.
Register
Hamilton Screams Online Book Club – The Troop by Nick Cutter
Tuesday, October 28: 6:00pm – 7:00pm
Virtual Branch – Online
Read and discuss our 2025 Hamilton Screams title with author Nick Cutter, Team HPL and fellow book lovers.
Register
Spooky Storytelling and Tours
Ghost Walks
Dundas Branch and Central Library
Unearth Hamilton’s haunted past with tales of spirits and supernatural sightings in our city’s oldest buildings and neighbourhoods.
Register
Mysticism and Magic
Tarot Readings for All
Various Dates and Locations
Whether you're a curious teen or an intrigued adult, learn the basics of tarot or explore deeper techniques to unlock the wisdom of the cards.
Register Now
Festival Highlights
Rocky Horror 50th Anniversary Extravaganza
Thursday, October 30: 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Central Library
Let’s do the time warp again! Celebrate five decades of The Rocky Horror Picture Show with a special screening and themed activities.
Register
Escape the Haunted Library
Thursday, October 30: 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Turner Park Branch
A teen escape room experience. Do you have what it takes to make it out in time?
Register
Haunted Escape Room
Thursday, October 30: 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Saltfleet
Follow the clues to rescue your favourite character from the Haunted Library.
Register
Arts and Creativity
Explore Art at HPL
Various Dates and Locations
This fall, art takes a darker turn. Join us to delve into:
• Gothic Art
• Myth, Monster, and Familiar
• Surreal and Dreamlike Horror
• Silhouette and Shadow Art
Get spooky with hands-on Halloween crafts. From book art and yarn pumpkins to eerie lanterns and book page vases, these sessions offer a creative outlet with a creepy twist.
Learn More
Frightening Films
Various Dates and Locations
Get into the Halloween spirit with free screenings of spooky favourites like Coraline, ParaNorman, What We Do in the Shadows, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, Haunted Mansion and more.
Learn More
