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.

1

Affected Branch: Sherwood Branch

Nearest Branches:

Barton Branch

Concession Branch

Kenilworth Branch

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 Development. Bookmobile is off the road and Extended Access is not available. HPL's online card registration, catalogue and eResources are not available until 5pm due to scheduled maintenance. All branches reopen Saturday May 31.

All Branches and Bookmobile Stops

Published:

Monday, May 12, 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.

1

Affected Branch: Turner Park Branch

Nearest Branches:

Mount Hope Branch

Sherwood Branch

Terryberry Branch

Published:

Monday, April 28, 2025 - 10:00am

Ancaster Branch - Temporary Relocation in May

Until Saturday May 31, the Ancaster Branch is temporarily relocated to the Ancaster Rotary Centre, 385 Jerseyville Road West, Ancaster. The Wilson Street branch is closed for a roof and HVAC replacement and is expected to reopen on Monday June 2 at 9:30am.

www.hpl.ca/ancaster

1

Affected Branch: Ancaster Branch

Nearest Branches:

Dundas Branch

Greensville Branch

Westdale Branch

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.

1

Affected Branch: Central Library

Nearest Branches:

Barton Branch

Concession Branch

Locke Branch

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

Parks Police

The Parks Board couldn't transfer the parks police directly to the city force because the men couldn't meet the qualifications. Rather than just abandon the force completely, it was decided to make them park custodians with a slight pay increase. By making them park custodians, it was possible to assign them to full time positions in one park instead of having them there for only 10 minutes at a time. If they needed help, they had to call on the city police, as custodians did in other cities.

A permanent police patrol of Hamilton's parkland began May 15, 1967. The patrol was the first to be carried out on a regular basis since the six-man parks police force had been disbanded in June of 1963. Experienced men carried out the parks work and extra men filled in on regular duty. For eight hours each day, one motorcycle policeman inspected the parks in his area. Special attention was given to known trouble spots. The motorcycle policeman was in radio contact with dispatchers at Central Police Station in case trouble developed. At other hours, the parks were watched by regular patrols.

Up until 1979, the parks were patrolled by policemen in uniform. It was found that it didn't work because the people could see the policemen coming a mile away. It was decided to allow the officers to dress casually but wearing shorts was thought to be too casual. Every now and then they were called away to do something else where shorts would be inappropriate.

References:

1. Clipping Files. Hamilton - Parks - Parks Police. Local History & Archives, HPL.

2. Hamilton Police Department Scrapbook. vol. 9. p. 37. Local History & Archives, HPL (352.2 H189)

3. Steel Shots. August 23, 1963. p. 5. (Periodical)

Parks Police

Pages