All Branches Closed - Victoria Day 

All HPL Branches are closed on Sunday, May 18, and Victoria Day, Monday, May 19. Bookmobile is off the road. Extended Access and Study Hall services are not available. Our Virtual Branch is open at hpl.ca.

All Branches and Bookmobile Stops
Published:
Thursday, May 1, 2025 - 9:30am
Central Library - Fire Drill

On Tuesday, May 13, a fire drill will be held at 11 am at Central Library. You may visit the Barton or Locke Branches as alternate locations for your library needs. Thank you for your understanding.

1
Affected Branch: Central Library
Published:
Wednesday, April 30, 2025 - 1:30pm
Turner Park Branch - Roof Repair

Due to the ongoing roof repair project, noise and parking disruptions are expected to continue until the end of June. Thank you for your patience.

1
Affected Branch: Turner Park Branch
Published:
Monday, April 28, 2025 - 10:00am
Ancaster Branch - Temporary Closure, May 5-31

From Monday, May 5 to Saturday, May 31, the Ancaster Branch will be temporarily closed due to a roof and HVAC replacement. During this time, service hours will be available at the Ancaster Rotary Centre, 385 Jerseyville Road West, Ancaster. The last day to pick up your Holds is Thursday, May 1st. Thank you for your understanding.

www.hpl.ca/ancaster

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Affected Branch: Ancaster Branch
Published:
Wednesday, April 16, 2025 - 11:00am
Central Library - Microfilm Machine

The digital microfilm machines at Central Library are not working. A single analog machine is available, but it doesn't print. We aim to have the digital devices repaired as soon as possible. We apologize for the inconvenience.

1
Affected Branch: Central Library
Published:
Thursday, April 10, 2025 - 3:30pm
Sherwood Branch - Basement Renovation

The first phase of renovations will begin at the Sherwood Branch from April 10 to May 2. During this time, noise disruptions may occur throughout the branch due to a basement renovation. Parking, access to the building, and collections will not be affected. Thank you for your patience. www.hpl.ca/sherwood

1
Affected Branch: Sherwood Branch
Published:
Monday, April 7, 2025 - 8:30am
Phishing Scheme

Please be aware of online phishing attempts impersonating Hamilton Public Library and Library Staff. HPL does not solicit paid freelance opportunities through social media or other messaging applications. HPL does not request personal or banking information through social media or require financial compensation when reviewing job applications. Please report phishing schemes to communications@hpl.ca. If you think you are a victim of fraud, please call the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501.

All Branches and Bookmobile Stops
Published:
Thursday, April 3, 2025 - 10:30am

Library Cards with Full Privileges

Cards with full privileges:
 

Type Scope & Requirements
Adult Free to anyone living, working, paying taxes or attending school in Hamilton who is 18 years or older. Requires either a valid driver's license or two pieces of identification, one with name and current address.
Child Free to any child in Hamilton 13 or younger. Parent or guardian must sign the library card. Card automatically expires when the cardholder turns 14 at which time the cardholder may apply for a teen card, requiring identification with name and current address. Parents are responsible for their child's use of all library resources. See below for more details.
Teen Free to anyone living, working or attending school in Hamilton who is between the age of 14-17 years inclusive. Identification required with name and current address. Card automatically expires when the cardholder turns 18 at which time the cardholder may apply for an adult card.
Student Proof of attendance at a Hamilton school is required along with a valid driver's license or two pieces of identification, one with name and current address.
Non-Resident Requires either a valid driver's license or two pieces of identification, one with name and current address.  Valid for one (1) year and there is an annual $40 fee.

 

Security and Responsibilities

A PIN is assigned when you register for a card. The default PIN is the last four digits of your telephone number, which you can change. You are responsible for all material borrowed on your card and the payment of any late fees incurred. If you lose your card, or need to change your address or contact information, contact us immediately by visiting a branch or calling 905-546-3200, Option 1. You must have your card to borrow material.

Parents or Guardians:

Restriction of your child’s use of the Library, including our physical resources, digital resources, computers and wireless access to the Internet, is your responsibility. Children under the age of fourteen (14) require your signature to allow them borrowing privileges for all library materials, including print, media, and digital downloads. If you wish to restrict your child’s use of the Library, accompany your child to the Library, monitor the child’s use of our resources and borrow material with your library card. For more information, please refer to the Library’s Access to Materials Policy and Computer Use Policy.

Non-resident taxpayers

A current City of Hamilton Property Tax Bill will be required

Privileges, Fines and Fees

Other Cards with Special or Limited Privileges

Online Payments