Printing, Photocopying and Scanning Unavailable at Dundas Branch

Printing and photocopying are not working at Dundas Branch. We're working to get these working again as soon as possible.

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Published:
Saturday, August 2, 2025 - 9:45am
Locke Branch - Filming Nearby

Filming will take place near the Locke Branch from August 4 to 8, which will impact traffic flow and parking. We apologize for the inconvenience.

  • East and West Side of Locke Street South
  • North and South Side of Herkimer Street
  • North and South Side of Stanley Avenue
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Published:
Thursday, July 31, 2025 - 11:30am
Online Resources/HPL Catalogue - Monday, August 4, Civic Holiday

On Monday, August 4, Civic Holiday, due to IT network maintenance, HPL's catalogue will be searchable, but Holds and Library accounts, as well as online resources, will not be available. However, WiFi will remain accessible. We apologize for the inconvenience.

All Branches and Bookmobile Stops
Published:
Wednesday, July 30, 2025 - 3:00pm
All Branches Closed for Civic Holiday

All branches close on Sunday, August 3, 2025 and August 4, 2025 for the Civic Holiday. This includes branches with Extended Access.

All Branches and Bookmobile Stops
Published:
Monday, July 28, 2025 - 10:30am
Modified Bookmobile Service 

The following Bookmobile visits are modified on:

Thursday, July 31

  • Bennetto and Kinsmen - Cancelled

Friday, August 1

  • Winona Park - Cancelled

Monday, August 4 - All Bookmobile visits cancelled

Thursday, August 7

  • Rockton 10:30-11:30 am - Moved to Rockton Elementary School 670 Hwy 8 (this date only)

 

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Affected Branch: Bookmobile
Nearest Branches: 
Published:
Friday, July 25, 2025 - 9:30am
Terryberry Branch Elevator Out of Order

The parking lot elevator at Terryberry Branch is not working. Members will need to use the accessible ramp at the Mohawk entrance and the inner elevator. We're working to get it fixed quickly.

1
Published:
Saturday, May 31, 2025 - 1:00pm
Public Computers - Audio Volume

Please note that the audio volume levels on our public computers are having issues. The estimated time of disruption is unknown at this time. Thank you for your patience.

All Branches and Bookmobile Stops
Published:
Thursday, May 29, 2025 - 4:00pm
Mount Hope Branch Accessibile Ramp Not Available

The accessibility ramp at Mount Hope Branch is damaged. The handrail is not available. The ramp will not be available while being repaired. We aim to fix it quickly.

Published:
Friday, May 23, 2025 - 4:30pm

Murders in Hamilton

Evelyn Dick after acquittal for murder
Evelyn Dick after acquittal for murder

When Hamilton was first settled, the most pressing issue was what to do about crime in the area. The area's first court house was built in 1817 and it included cells in the lower half of the building for use as a jail. The next courthouse/jail was constructed in the mid 1820s and opened for business in 1827. The street behind this building was known as Tyburn Street after the street of execution in London, England.

After the police village of Hamilton was created in 1833 the very first item of business dealt with by the board was a complaint by High Bailiff John Ryckman about a citizen driving his horses furiously, endangering children. There was an early form of police force from that point on to enforce the laws of the city and the county. A Board of Police Commissioners was formed in 1872 to oversee the operation of a professional police department. They dealt with all complaints including the most serious complaint, murder. The earliest murder documented in the Hamilton area was in 1801 and the murderess became the first woman ever hanged in Ontario.

An extensive list of murder victims in Hamilton is available.*

*Please note that this list no longer actively updated. The most recent entries available are from 2013 and earlier.