Cold Alert - City of Hamilton

The Medical Officer of Health for the City of Hamilton is issuing a Cold Weather Alert effective overnight, Tuesday, February 24.  A Cold Weather Alert is issued when current or anticipated weather conditions are at or below minus 15 degrees Celsius or minus 20 with wind chill. This alert will remain in effect until a cancellation notice is issued.

Published:
Monday, February 23, 2026 - 2:45pm
Carlisle Branch - Exterior Filming

From Tuesday, March 3, to Wednesday, March 4, filming will take place from 7am to 11pm at 1464 Centre Road. This may impact traffic flow in the surrounding area.

Published:
Friday, February 20, 2026 - 2:15pm
Carlisle Branch Accessible Door Out of Order

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

Published:
Tuesday, February 17, 2026 - 2:30pm
Concession Branch - Upcoming Renovations

Renovation preparations are underway in anticipation of the March 2 start. Computer availability may be limited.  Living Room and Makerspace areas are closed. (The next nearest Makerspaces are Sherwood and Terryberry Branches). Renovations are expected to wrap up by late Spring. Thank you for your patience.

Published:
Tuesday, February 10, 2026 - 1:00pm
Sherwood Branch - Upcoming Renovations

Renovation preparations are underway in anticipation of the March 2 start. Starting the week of February 23, the 2nd Floor will be closed. The Children's collection will be temporarily available on the 1st Floor. Renovations are expected to wrap up by late Spring. Thank you for your patience.

Published:
Tuesday, February 10, 2026 - 1:00pm
Central Library - Living Room Renovation Preparation

Starting Tuesday, February 10, the First Floor Living Room will be unavailable due to renovation preparations. Study and work spaces are available on Floors 2-3. 

Please note the Noon Hour Concert on Friday, February 13, will be held at Terryberry Branch instead. 

Thank you for your patience.

Published:
Friday, February 6, 2026 - 9:00am
Bookmobile Service Modification

Please note the following Bookmobile visit updates.

Wednesday, February 25
Swansea 10:00-10:30am - Cancelled
Helen Detwiler 11:00am-12:00pm - Cancelled
Warplane Museum 3:00-4:00pm - Cancelled

Friday, February 27
Winona 11:00am-12:00pm - Cancelled
Maplewood 2:30-4:00pm - Cancelled

Published:
Monday, February 2, 2026 - 3:15pm
Carlisle Branch Accessible Washroom Out of Order

The accessible washroom at Carlisle Branch is not working. We aim to get it fixed quickly.

Published:
Tuesday, January 27, 2026 - 12:30pm
Central Library - Sunday Hours Paused

Effective Sunday, February 1, Sunday service hours at Central Library will be paused. 

Sunday Hours will continue at Dundas, Red Hill, Terryberry, Turner Park, Valley Park and Waterdown Branches from 1-5pm.

www.hpl.ca/hours 

Published:
Wednesday, January 21, 2026 - 11:00am

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