Due to campus events, McMaster University's Bookmobile Visits for today (August 26) and Tuesday, September 2 (3:30-4:30 pm) have been cancelled. Service is expected to resume on Tuesday, September 9. Thank you for your understanding.
Bookmobile Stop Cancelled
Published:
Tuesday, August 26, 2025 - 12:00pm
Cogeco Email Issues
Cogeco is blocking emails from donotreply@hpl.ca. The estimated time of disruption is unknown as they work through the technical issue. Thank you for your patience.
All Branches and Bookmobile Stops
Published:
Tuesday, August 26, 2025 - 10:30am
Carlisle Branch Accessible Door Out of Order
The accessibility door at Carlisle Branch is not working. We aim to fix it quickly.
1
Published:
Tuesday, August 26, 2025 - 10:15am
Turner Park Branch- Facility Access
Parking lots, the main entrance and the exterior drop box are currently unavailable. Please use alternate entrances and parking as directed on-site.
1
Published:
Wednesday, August 20, 2025 - 2:30pm
Turner Park - Mid-Day Fire Drill, September 3
Due to a mid-day fire drill, Turner Park Branch and Les Chater Family YMCA are closed for a fire drill from noon-1 pm. Thank you for your patience.
1
Published:
Thursday, August 14, 2025 - 1:00pm
Kenilworth Branch - Upcoming Temporary Closure
Due to roof repair maintenance, the Branch is temporarily closed from September 2 until October 10. Please visit Parkdale and Barton locations as your nearest branches for your library needs. Thank you for your understanding.
1
Published:
Monday, August 11, 2025 - 8:00am
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.
1
Published:
Friday, May 23, 2025 - 4:30pm
Power of the Pen Creative Writing Contest
The 31st Power of the Pen writing competition invites writers ages 12-18 (age as of December 31, 2025) to submit original poetry and short stories in English, French or both languages. Prizes are for 1st- and 2nd-place in seven age groups (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 and 18) in poetry and short story categories. Digital submissions are encouraged.
Categories:
Participants can enter poems and short stories in English and French:
- English - Please submit one poem, short story or both per person in the English category.
- French - Please submit one poem, short story or both in the French category.
Prizes:
A published writer, teacher or reviewer judges entries in each category for originality, style, general presentation, spelling and grammar. There are 1st and 2nd-place winners in the seven age categories (12-18) for poetry and short stories in English and French.
First and second-place entries qualify for the Hamilton Association for the Advancement of Literature, Science and Art Maitland Banting Silver Quill and Young Poet awards. The winner in each category receives $250.
*French entries are not included in the HAALSA prize selection.
First-prize winners in each age category receive $100 and 2nd prize winners receive $25. All award winners receive a certificate and a copy of the Power of the Pen publication.
How to Enter:
This year's competition opens May 5, 2025, and closes September 30, 2025. Submit your work via the official entry form. Notification goes out to winners in January 2026.
For more information, please email mnichols@hpl.ca.
Note to Teachers:
If you are submitting a short story or poem on behalf of a student, please ensure a completed official entry form accompanies each written submission.
