Ancestry Library Edition is not accessible today, Tuesday, May 20, due to a technical issue. The estimated time of disruption is unknown at this time. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Ancestry Library Edition Is Currently Unavailable
All Branches and Bookmobile Stops
Published:
Tuesday, May 20, 2025 - 9:30am
Construction Work at Sherwood Branch
On Thursday, May 15, the library reopens with normal hours but with the following service limitations:
- 1st Floor is closed to the public
- Limited browsing collections of Express Adult Fic and Express DVDs are available on the 2nd Floor
- Holds pickup is available on the 2nd Floor
- Reduced number of public computers on 2nd Floor
- Printing and copying available on 2nd Floor
- Seating capacity is reduced
- All 2nd Floor collections (teen, children, and graphic novels) are available
- Parking, washroom and elevator access are not affected
Please refer to hpl.ca/events for up-to-date program listings. Most programs will continue as normal on the 2nd Floor or in the basement.
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Published:
Thursday, May 15, 2025 - 2:30pm
All Branches Closed - May 30, Staff Professional Development
All HPL Branches are closed on Friday, May 30 for Staff Professional Development Day. Bookmobile is off the road and Extended Access service is not available. Our Virtual Branch is open at hpl.ca. Regular service hours resume Saturday, May 31. Thank you for your understanding.
All Branches and Bookmobile Stops
Published:
Monday, May 12, 2025 - 8:00am
Bookmobile Service Cancellations
The Friday May 30 Bookmobile visits to Huntington Park, Winona and Maplewood Avenue are cancelled.
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Bookmobile Stop:
Published:
Friday, May 9, 2025 - 8:00am
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.
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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.
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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.
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Published:
Thursday, April 10, 2025 - 3:30pm
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
Local History and Archives Policy
Access to Local History and Archive Collections
Due to the rare and fragile nature of the Local History and Archives collections, access to collections housed in the Local History and Archives Department is limited to persons consulting archival material and carrying out their research in the Local History and Archives department. Within the department, staff are on hand to provide assistance and proper supervision to ensure the safe care and handling of materials.
Members will be required to show identification and register for an archives card prior to viewing materials.
Physical access to collections housed in the Local History and Archives Department is limited to members 14 years of age and older. Users under 14 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian unless other arrangements have been made and authorized by the Manager, Local History and Archives.
We utilize recognized international and national archival, digitization and metadata standards to support physical and digital access to Local History and Archives collections and materials. In alignment with Library Board policy, we support the use of Creative Commons Licenses and the principle of open access with regard to digitization initiatives while upholding the terms of existing donor agreements, copyright and applicable law and legislation.
Barring the extent and terms of any restrictions, the legal rights and/or requests of the donor to place the records in the Archives, no person shall be prevented from using archival materials unless it is determined that the materials will be physically abused or used in a libelous or illegal manner.
The Library retains the right to charge for any reproduction or other research service as per the Library Board’s Service Fees Policy.
Materials from the Local History and Archives collection may be loaned to other institutions or organizations only under the following circumstances:
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Written authorization is obtained from the Manager, Local History and Archives (or designate).
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The Archivist provides written documentation for the loan.
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The borrower ensures adequate care and handling of the material on loan. If at any time Local History and Archives determines that the material on loan is not being cared for adequately, the Manager, Local History and Archives (or designate) may cancel the loan and request the immediate return of the material.
