New Loan Periods - Effective Monday, August 31

As of Monday, August 31, new loan periods will come into effect to shorten the wait time for popular hold items.

DVD Express - 3 days

DVDs and Blu-rays - 7 days (fiction, children's and languages) 

Magazines - 7 days

Bestseller Express - 14 days

DVDs and Blu-rays - 14 days (non-fiction and TV series)

Books - 21 days

Music/Books on CD and Children's Express - 21 days

Please visit www.hpl.ca/borrowing for more details.

Published:
Tuesday, July 28, 2026 - 2:30pm
Bookmobile Service Modification

The Bookmobile visit to the Helen Detwiler location on Wed Jul 29 is cancelled.

Published:
Tuesday, July 21, 2026 - 9:00am
Express Items via OverDrive - Partner Libraries Update

As of July 1, Partner Library Members can no longer borrow HPL Express items via OverDrive. More to Borrow partner libraries offer Lucky Express (Skip the Line) titles to their cardholders only. This helps manage wait times for popular titles. Lucky Express is a collection of in-demand titles with a seven-day loan and no wait time. 

Partner Library Members can borrow titles from the main collection. 
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

Makerfest

Makerfest Feature Image

 

Saturday, November 8 · 11am–4pm
Central Library

Discover. Create. Celebrate.
Join us at Central Library for Makerfest, a one-day festival celebrating Hamilton’s innovative and creative maker community. Explore live demos, connect with local makers, try hands-on workshops, and shop unique creations — all while discovering what you can make at HPL’s Makerspaces.

Makerfest Banner

 

Event Details

Live Demonstrations 

See innovation in action with 3D printing, vinyl cutting, embroidery, audio recording and more. Makers and HPL Staff will guide you through the creative process. 

Information Tables 

Learn what’s happening across Hamilton’s maker community. Local organizations and partners will share resources, ideas and ways to get involved. 

Hands-On Workshops 

Visit workshops where you can design, build and experiment. Whether it’s your first time or you’re a seasoned maker, there’s a workshop for you. 

Curated Vendors Market 

Shop local, handmade, and unique goods crafted by Hamilton makers. From art and jewelry to practical tools, every item has a story and a maker behind it.

Featuring

Art Aggregate I Exploriment I Hamilton Civic Museums I Hamilton Craft Studios McMaster Engineering Community Outreach I McMaster Libraries I Rivers & Meadows ISquat{Places Collective} I Story Pop I YWCA

Vendors

Art by Andrea I Beads & Things I Birdsong Witchery I Bright Side General Buchanan Studios I Clowns in cyberspace I Desire Line Design Earrings By Margaret I Glass by Meysa I Mimis Bonnets I NQNSO I Seagauhl Sticker Hardly Know Her I Studio Beulah I Strokes and Stories IThis Fragile World Photography I toadtype

Makerfest Banner

November Makerspace Events

A Month of Making
Makerfest doesn’t end after one day. Throughout November, HPL branches host Makerspace activities to keep creativity going. Try something new, learn a skill, or bring your ideas to life with the help of our expert staff. Explore Makerspace programs.   

About HPL Makerspaces                              

Hamilton Public Library’s Makerspaces are your hub for creativity and innovation. With tools like 3D printers, laser cutters, sewing machines, vinyl cutters, recording studios, and more, there’s no limit to what you can create. Whether you want to prototype, craft, record or explore, Makerspaces are here for you. 

Learn more: hpl.ca/makerspaces


Makerfest Footer