All Branches Public Computers and Printing Service Disruption

The public computers and printing are not available at all branches today starting at 1pm due to emergency maintenance. The work is expected to take two hours.

Published:
Friday, July 17, 2026 - 9:45am
Bookmobile Stops Cancelled

Due to poor air quality, Bookmobile has the following cancellations for Friday, July 17:

  • Winona (11am-12pm)

  • Queen Victoria (3-4pm)

 Regular service is expected to return next week. Thank you for your understanding.

Published:
Thursday, July 16, 2026 - 8:00am
Air Quality Warning

An Orange Air Quality Warning has been initiated for the City of Hamilton by Environment and Climate Change Canada and the Ontario Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks beginning July 15, 2026. This alert will remain in effect until a cancellation notice is issued.

Stay safe, Hamilton. www.hpl.ca/hours

Published:
Wednesday, July 15, 2026 - 2:00pm
HPL Catalogue and Online Resources Not Available - Sunday, July 19

Due to online maintenance, Members can not access HPL's catalogue, online services and resources on Sunday, July 19 from 5am-10am. Thank you in advance for your understanding.

Published:
Monday, July 13, 2026 - 3:00pm
Express Items via OverDrive - Partner Libraries Update

As of July 1st, partner library Members can no longer borrow HPL Express items via Overdrive. More to Borrow partner libraries will be offering Lucky Express (Skip the line) titles to their cardholders only. This will help manage wait times for popular titles. Lucky Express is a collection of in demand titles with a seven-day loan period, available with no wait. 

Our partners will still be able to borrow titles from the rest of our collection. 
www.hpl.ca/more-to-borrow

Published:
Monday, July 6, 2026 - 10:00am
What's Happening Guide Changes

The What's Happening Guide has been retired and replaced with different communications channels and tactics. You can find the new Summer Reading Flyer here. Watch for future communications updates.

Published:
Monday, June 29, 2026 - 3:00pm
Sunday Hours Return to Central Library

Sunday hours return to Central Library. Beginning July 5, Central is open Noon to 5pm. Dundas, Red Hill, Terryberry, Turner Park, Valley Park and Waterdown branches are also open Sundays, 1 to 5pm. hpl.ca/hours

Published:
Monday, June 29, 2026 - 1:00pm
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

Library Spaces and Room Rentals

Free Rooms to Meet, Study and Create 

Hamilton Public Library offers a variety of free spaces for community use. Whether you're studying, working on a group project, hosting a quiet meeting or practicing piano, we have a space for you.  

Available Spaces 

Study Rooms  

Study rooms are available at the following branches: 

  • Ancaster 

  • Binbrook 

  • Central Library (Privacy-On-Demand Spaces)

  • Dundas 

  • Parkdale 

  • Sherwood

  • Terryberry 

  • Turner Park 

  • Valley Park 

  • Waterdown 

Rooms are free to use, available in two-hour blocks on a first-come, first-served basis. Rooms cannot be booked within 15 minutes of closing. 

How to Book 
Reserve online or contact staff by phone, email, chat or in person. 

Online Booking Requirements 

  • A valid HPL library card is required for online bookings. 

  • Bookings can be made up to two weeks in advance, in two-hour time slots. 

  • Valid ID is accepted for in-person reservations. 

Booking Guidelines 

  • One booking per person or group per day (one library card per group). 

  • Reservations are held for 15 minutes after the start time. 

  • Check in at the desk with your library card or photo ID—staff will unlock the room. 

  • You may stay longer if no one else has booked the room afterward. 

  • Rooms cannot be booked within 15 minutes of closing. 

Modify or Cancel a Reservation

To cancel or modify an existing room booking, please use the online form available here: My Reservations - Hamilton Public Library

Piano Practice Room – Central Library  

Central Library’s 2nd Floor Piano Room offers a quiet space for practice. 

One-hour sessions are available during open hours, except for the last booking of the day, which is 45 minutes. To make a reservation up to two weeks in advance, please call, email or chat with Staff

Meeting Room Rentals – Currently Unavailable to the Public

Meeting room rentals are not available to the general public. At this time, HPL prioritizes library spaces for free programming and community use.

For organizations interested in partnership opportunities, please review HPL’s Working with Us Policy.

Library Partners and City of Hamilton Departments

Room rentals remain available for official City and community partners with civic, educational, and cultural goals.

Learn More

Updated: September 2025