Central Library - Fourth Floor Closure, Friday July 10

With the Steel Town Love special event taking place on Saturday, July 11, the Fourth Floor at Central Library will be closed for set-up all day on Friday, July 10. Makerspace and Newcomer Learning Centre will remain open.

The Fourth Floor will reopen its study spaces on Sunday, July 12, Noon-5 pm.

www.hpl.ca/central

Published:
Monday, July 6, 2026 - 4:00pm
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
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

Online Payment Now Available

Hamilton Public Library offers you the ability to add funds to your account and pay fees. Using your credit card (debit currently not accepted) from home or using a library computer. Note: you cannot pay partial fees online. 

Through SmartPay, you can:

  • Pay fees in full using your credit card (debit currently not accepted)

  • Add money to your account for printing and photocopying using library machines

HPL does not keep your credit card number and all transactions are completed through a secure, encrypted channel. SmartPay allows library staff to further assist you with your information needs.

For member service concerns, you will need your Transaction Number, Date and Time of Payment for when you contact us.

FAQs for Members
 
What is SmartPay?

SmartPay is a secure online e-commerce tool where Members can add funds, and pay library fees.

Where do I access it?

You can find a link to SmartPay either on the hpl.ca homepage or on the top navigation in HPL’s online catalogue (Bibliocommons).

I am not sure if I completed a transaction. How can I check?

Go to SmartPay, log in using your library card number and PIN and go to the Transactions tab. Your past transactions will be listed. You can also click on the Add Money tab to see your print account balance or pay fees. 

I cannot access the site? What should I do?

Make sure you are using the correct number on your library card and your correct PIN number. If you are sure you are using the right numbers but still cannot access the SmartPay site, please contact us.