Delayed Openings and Closures

Due to Staff training, the following service modifications are planned.

Turner Park: Wednesday, September 2, Noon-1 pm Closure
Red Hill: Friday, September 18, Delayed Opening of 10 am

Visit www.hpl.ca/hours for open alternate locations.

Published:

Tuesday, August 25, 2026 - 2:00pm

Bookmobile Schedule Modifications

Bookmobile has the following schedule modifications for September:

Mon, Sept 7: Library Closed - All Stops Cancelled

Tues, Sept 8:

Strathcona Cancelled
McMaster Cancelled

Thurs, Sept 10:

Rockton moved to Saturday
Millgrove moved to Saturday

Sat, Sept 12:

Stoney Creek Cancelled
Riverdale Cancelled

Published:

Monday, August 24, 2026 - 9:30am

Construction at Concession Branch

Due to construction at the Concession Branch hours are changing temporarily, beginning Fri Aug 7 to mid-September.
Mon-Thu 5-7pm
Fri Closed
Sat 9am-5pm

Members can change their Holds pickup location in their library accounts or can contact Staff. Or Holds can be paused until after the branch returns to regular open hours.

Some programs will be moved to the Sherwood Branch, 467 Upper Ottawa St. Please check hpl.ca/events for up-to-date program changes.

Published:

Wednesday, August 5, 2026 - 1:15pm

Kenilworth Branch Accessible Washroom Out of Order

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

Published:

Thursday, July 30, 2026 - 5:45pm

Study Halls Pause for Summer Break

After Hours Study Hall is not available in July and August. Hours will resume Tuesday, September 8. www.hpl.ca/study-halls

Published:

Tuesday, June 23, 2026 - 3:00pm

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