Ancestry Library Edition is not accessible today, Tuesday, May 20, due to a technical issue. The estimated time of disruption is unknown at this time. We apologize for any inconvenience.
On Thursday, May 15, the library reopens with normal hours but with the following service limitations:
- 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.
All HPL Branches are closed on Friday, May 30 for Staff Professional Development Day. Bookmobile is off the road and Extended Access service is not available. Our Virtual Branch is open at hpl.ca. Regular service hours resume Saturday, May 31. Thank you for your understanding.
The Friday May 30 Bookmobile visits to Huntington Park, Winona and Maplewood Avenue are cancelled.
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.
From Monday, May 5 to Saturday, May 31, the Ancaster Branch will be temporarily closed due to a roof and HVAC replacement. During this time, service hours will be available at the Ancaster Rotary Centre, 385 Jerseyville Road West, Ancaster. The last day to pick up your Holds is Thursday, May 1st. Thank you for your understanding.
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.
Secondary School Students Volunteer Commitment Guidelines
The Ontario Ministry of Education recently incorporated 40 hours of mandatory community service into the secondary school curriculum. The Hamilton Public Library is pleased to assist students in fulfilling their voluntary requirement in the Library.
The following guidelines apply:
- Interested students may submit a written resume to a branch library, or the Central Library Children's Department.
- Prospective volunteer students will be screened or interviewed by staff.
- The Library reserves the right to limit the number of student volunteers, in order to provide proper instruction and supervision.
- The Library will provide suitable instruction in Health and Safety, and Workplace Hazardous Materials (WHMIS).
- Recommended activities for Secondary School volunteers:
- Reading Buddies Program. The student assists a younger child with reading practice during the summer.
- Publicity Walks. The student assists a staff member or summer worker delivering library publicity in neighbourhoods surrounding a branch library.
- Library moves or reorganization. The student assists staff who are moving or shifting library material. Cleaning shelves and re-shelving books may be required.
- Branch Book Sales. The student assists staff with setting up prior to a sale, moving and unpacking boxes of books, keeping tables filled, stacking empty boxes for recycling, re-packing remainders, cleaning up, and taking down tables.
These recommended activities can be undertaken with a minimum of orientation and instruction. Most can be completed in a concentrated block of time, allowing the student amass 5 - 20 hours over a short period of time. The student will, at all times, be working with library staff. No student volunteer will replace a paid staff member.
Students wishing to volunteer for the Reading Buddies program should be proficient in English, and may wish to provide a recommendation from an English teacher. Students whose first language is not English are welcome to volunteer.
Jobs to be excluded:
- Regular library page duties such as shelving and shelf reading.
- Crowd control at library programs.
- Assistance at local festivals and outreach events such as Festival of Friends.
- Activities/projects involving access to the library automated system or patron records.
The library will provide an acknowledgement of volunteer hours worked by a student, but cannot provide letters of reference.
If a student is unable or unwilling to fulfil an agreed upon volunteer commitment, or is deemed unsuitable for the placement, library staff will contact the student's school.
Interested students may contact the Human Resources Department of the Hamilton Public Library at 546-3216, for further information