Ancaster Branch Accessible Door Out of Order

The accessibility door at Ancaster Branch is not working. We aim to fix it quickly.

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Published:
Saturday, November 8, 2025 - 9:45am
Concession Branch: Children's Area Renovations

Concession Branch's children area is closed for renovations. Please use the temporary space. Public computers are also affected. There are currently three available. We aim to have the branch back in order as soon as possible.

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Published:
Friday, November 7, 2025 - 9:30am
Odour at Carlisle Branch

Members visiting the Carlisle Branch may notice an unpleasant odour. We are working to identify the source and hope to resolve the issue as soon as possible.

Published:
Thursday, November 6, 2025 - 5:30pm
Network Maintenance - Wednesday, November 12

HPL's WiFi, Catalogue and online resources will undergo network maintenance on Wednesday, November 12 from 5-8am. We apologize for the inconvenience.

All Branches and Bookmobile Stops
Published:
Thursday, November 6, 2025 - 8:00am
Kenilworth Branch Reopening

Noise and limited parking continue at the Kenilworth Branch this week as renovations wrap up. Thank you for your understanding.

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Published:
Monday, October 27, 2025 - 3:00pm
Delayed Branch Openings 

The following locations have upcoming delayed openings due to Staff training drills. 

Monday, November 10 
Concession Branch, 10am

Thursday, November 13
Binbrook Branch, 10am

Friday, November 14
Valley Park Branch, 10am

Monday, November 24
Mount Hope, 2pm

Thursday, November 27
Stoney Creek, 10am

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
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

Fright Fest

Fright Fest Web

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