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.
Extended Access at the Freelton Branch is not working. Please visit during staffed hours. We aim to fix it quickly. Apologies for the inconvenience.
The Sherwood Branch has following service limitations due to construction:
- 1st Floor closed to the public
- 2nd Floor collections (teen, children, and graphic novels) available
- 2nd Floor: Limited browsing of Express Adult Fic and Express DVDs
- Holds pickup on the 2nd Floor
- Reduced number of public computers on 2nd Floor
- Printing and copying available on 2nd Floor
- Seating is reduced
- Parking, washroom and elevator access available
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
PreVIEW
The City of Hamilton's cybersecurity-related outage has affected some of the services offered by HPL. Our online image database PreView is unavailable, and we are unable to provide a timeline for its return. Some images, such as postcards, can be found online on Flickr. You are also welcome to visit the archives where photographs are available by request. Kindly note that such requests require specific subjects or people of interest, which can be researched in our Where-to-Look Index.
1. What is included in PreVIEW?
2. How can I access the original photograph, print, etc.?
3. Can I download a higher quality image?
4. What can I do with the image once I have saved it?
6. I can’t find an image I’m looking for, who can I ask?
7. Why did the Hamilton Public Library create PreVIEW?
1. What is included in PreVIEW?
Local History & Archives has a description of each collection. Many of these descriptions are available online. HPL's photograph collections are divided alphabetically, from A-C to D-Z.
2. How can I access the original photograph, print, etc.?
All of the original photographs, prints and negatives are in the collections of the Local History & Archives Department of the Hamilton Public Library. They are only available in the department. Visit the Local History & Archives Department during our hours of service.
3. Can I download a higher quality image?
The images on the PreVIEW website are low resolution files in jpg format. High resolution images are now available for purchase.
4. What can I do with the image once I have saved it?
Please see LH&A's photograph Terms of Use for more information, including how to properly credit your use of an image.
5. Who owns the copyright?
Please see LH&A's photograph Terms of Use for more information on copyright for the original and digital images.
6. I can’t find an image I’m looking for, who can I ask?
If you cannot find the image you are looking for, call the information desk at the Local History & Archives Department. (905-546-3408). Staff there will be able to check our other photographic resources to see if that image exists.
7. Why did the Hamilton Public Library create PreVIEW?
Digitization enables the preservation and conservation of the Local History & Archives Department’s image collections, and affirms a responsibility to protect rare materials, yet at the same time make them publicly accessible. The Hamilton Public Library recognizes its role as guardian of the historical legacy of Hamilton and its surrounding areas and steward of these important resources so that they are publicly accessible.