Daily print balances for black and white and colour printing change January 2, 2026. The new daily print balance is 40 cents. Members receive four free black and white copies or two free colour copies.
Large format and vinyl printing pricing also change on January 2. Visit https://www.hpl.ca/makerspaces for updates.
Due to limited Staffing, Lynden Branch will be open today from 1-6pm with Extended Access services only. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Bookmobile is off the road from December 25-27, December 31, and January 1st. Visit www.hpl.ca/bookmobile for our Holiday Schedule.
Due to the setup for the Noon Hour Concert, the Fourth Floor at Central Library will be closed on Friday, January 2. Makerspace and Newcomer Learning Centre will remain open. Floors 1-3 have spaces to work and study.
All branches close on Thursday, December 25, for Christmas. This includes branches with Extended Access.
All branches close on Sunday, December 28, 2025. This includes branches with Extended Access.
All branches close on Thursday January 1 for New Years Day. This includes branches with Extended Access.
All branches close on Friday, December 26, 2025 for Boxing Day . This includes branches with Extended Access.
All HPL Branches close early on Wednesday, December 24 at 1pm. All locations are also closed on Christmas Day, Thursday, December 25, and Boxing Day, Friday, December 26. Visit www.hpl.ca/hours for our Holiday Schedule.
All HPL Branches close early on Wednesday, December 31 at 1pm. All locations are also closed on New Year's Day, Thursday, January 1st. Regular service hours resume on Friday, January 2. www.hpl.ca/hours
Branch Study Halls are paused Friday, December 19, 2025 through Monday, January 5, 2026. Central Library Study Hall hours resume Spring 2026.
www.hpl.ca/study-halls
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.
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
