Preview the New HPL.ca

We're excited to share a preview of the new HPL.ca before its official launch on September 15.

Explore the new site, discover updated navigation and get familiar with the improved online experience designed to make it easier to find Library services, programs, collections and information.

If you encounter an issue or have feedback, please let us know through our Contact Us page.

Published:
Wednesday, September 2, 2026 - 3:00pm
Kenilworth Branch - Parking Lot Not Available

Due to a fence replacement, the parking lot will be unavailable from September 7-9. Nearby street parking is available, as is an HSR route. Thank you for your patience. 

Published:
Wednesday, September 2, 2026 - 2:00pm
Concession Branch - Construction Updates

Due to a glass door installation for the new Makerspace area, Concession Branch will close at 1 pm on Thursday, September 3. It is expected to reopen to its regular hours with limited services on Friday, September 4. Stay tuned for continual updates.

www.hpl.ca/concession

Published:
Tuesday, September 1, 2026 - 8:00am
Labour Day - All HPL Branches Closed

All HPL Branches are closed on Sunday, September 6 and Labour Day, Monday, September 7. Bookmobile is off the road. Extended Access is not available. Regular service hours resume on Tuesday, September 8. 

Published:
Monday, August 31, 2026 - 2:45pm
Barton Branch - Construction in Area

Please note that Milton Avenue at Barton Street is under construction. Access to the parking lot is limited. Nearby street parking is available and an HSR route out front. Thank you for your patience.

Published:
Monday, August 31, 2026 - 2:30pm
Print on the Go Currently Unavailable

The Print on the Go service is not working at all Branches. We aim to fix it as soon as possible.

Published:
Thursday, August 27, 2026 - 12:30pm
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
  • Central Library: Tuesday, September 29, Delayed Opening of 10 am

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

Published:
Tuesday, August 25, 2026 - 2:00pm
Bookmobile Schedule Modifications for September

Bookmobile has the following schedule modifications for September: 

Please visit www.hpl.ca/bookmobile for updates on service modifications.

Tuesday, September 8                  

  • Strathcona - Cancelled 
  • McMaster - Cancelled 

Thursday, September 10              

  • Rockton and Millgrove visits moved to Saturdays (Starting September 12) 

Saturday, September 12               

  • Stoney Creek - Cancelled 
  • Riverdale - Cancelled 

Thursday, September 17       

  • Mohawk Gardens - Cancelled 
  • Meadowlands - Cancelled 

Friday, September 18             

  • Winona - Cancelled 
  • Queen Victoria - Cancelled
Published:
Monday, August 24, 2026 - 9:30am
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

History of City Hall

Town Hall on King William Street
Town Hall on King William Street

One of the other priorities on incorporation had been the creation of a market in a suitable location. The first location chosen proved to be unsuitable, and by 1837 the "Market Question" was a topic of conversation in town meetings. Upon the motion of Mr. Jackson, seconded by Mr. Gilbert, it was resolved that "from the inconvenience arising from the present location of the market, - "being at one extremity of the town, and the difficulty of access during the wet seasons, and a general dislike shown by the inhabitants to attend the same - it is found expedient to erect a second market in [a] more central situation, where the inhabitants would find it more easy of access, during the bad state of the roads, and more general accommodation afforded as well to the people of the town as the country" (6). 

A letter was read from the Messrs. Stinson containing an offer for ground for the proposed new market, which would be placed on their property at King William and Hughson Streets (7). The board decided to advertise for plans for a market house and "[i]t was ordered that it should be advertised in the three papers published in this town, that the Board is ready to receive contracts and plans, for a market building to be erected on the corner of James and York Streets, of brick or stone, measuring 50 feet by 90 feet with a hall above the market place and cellars under the whole" (8). 

William Hardy's plan was chosen, with the board awarding "the premium of £7/10/2 to Mr. Wm. Hardy for the best plan of the new market house".  They also awarded £O/25/0 to Messrs. Tassie and Shenton each for their plans (9). Tenders were to be given in by May 29 (10). There was a slight delay in the construction due to the Rebellion (11) but by February of 1839 the Board was ordering "[t]hat Messrs. Gilbert, Bradly, Daily and Carpenter be appointed to examine the work done to the new market by Mr. Hardy to see if it had been done according to contract" (12).  Mr. Hardy was eventually paid a total of £2,017/15/0 for the contract (13). The Board then moved into the Market Hall to hold their meetings. They outfitted it by moving the furniture from the old meeting place to the Hall (14).