Freelton Branch Without Power

Freelton Branch has no power. The branch is open but the computers [and elevator] are not working. We are unsure when power will be restored.

Published:
Thursday, July 2, 2026 - 6:45pm
Heat Warning Notification for the City of Hamilton

Heat Warning for the City of Hamilton.

Significant heat and humidity will arrive on Tuesday June 30.

For information about heat-related illnesses, cool place locations and reducing your risk, visit hamilton.ca.

Published:
Tuesday, June 30, 2026 - 9:00am
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
Carlisle Branch Accessible Door Out of Order

The accessibility door at Carlisle Branch is not working. We aim to fix it quickly.

Published:
Thursday, June 25, 2026 - 2:45pm
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
Construction at Barton Branch

The entrance to the Barton Branch's parking lot off Milton Street is currently inaccessible due to construction. Please use the alley entrance off Fullerton Street. 

Published:
Wednesday, June 17, 2026 - 9:15am
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.

Published:
Wednesday, June 10, 2026 - 5:00am
Bookmobile Service Modification

Bookmobile Service Modifications 

Thu Jul 2:

  • Rockton Cancelled

  • Mohawk Gardens Cancelled

  • Meadowlands Cancelled

Fri Jul 3:                    

  • Winona Cancelled

  • Queen Victoria Cancelled

Mon Jul 6:                 

  • Special Event - All Stops Cancelled

Published:
Friday, May 22, 2026 - 12:00pm

Mission Statement and Values

HPL logo with graphic montage of text - discover, connect, respect, create etc

Mission Statement

Freedom to Belong and Discover

Vision Statement

A vibrant and welcoming community place where people learn, connect, share and discover.

Values

Accountability

Ensuring services remain relevant and that resources are managed effectively and transparently. We listen to the community and we communicate our rationale for decisions.

Inclusion

Creating trusted services and spaces that welcome and value everyone. We celebrate the varied cultures and histories of Hamiltonians. Equity informs our program design, so we can create fairer access to opportunities and help build a more just society.

Innovation

Anticipating and responding to changing needs and technology by continually adapting our work to remain relevant. We meet new challenges by gradually shifting resources to build capacity in areas of growing need. We are a leader in integrating sustainability into our planning and actions.

Intellectual Freedom

Providing free access to a wide range of ideas and artistic expressions. Ensuring residents have appropriate digital access and skills to flourish in the current economy and society. We nurture conversations that enhance mutual understanding and learning.

Respect

Supporting the value and dignity of all individuals. We work to support residents in overcoming the legacies of colonization, racism and other forms of discrimination.

Truth and Reconciliation Land Acknowledgement
The City of Hamilton is situated upon the traditional territories of the Erie, Neutral, Huron-Wendat, Haudenosaunee and Mississaugas. This land is covered by the Dish With One Spoon Wampum Belt Covenant, which was an agreement between the Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabek to share and care for the resources around the Great Lakes. We further acknowledge that this land is covered by the Between the Lakes Purchase, 1792, between the Crown and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. Today, the City of Hamilton is home to many Indigenous people from across Turtle Island (North America) and we recognize that we must do more to learn about the rich history of this land, so that we can better understand our roles as residents, neighbours, partners and caretakers.