We're excited to share a preview of the new HPL.ca before its official launch on September 15.
Explore the new site, discover updated navigation and get familiar with the improved online experience designed to make it easier to find Library services, programs, collections and information.
If you encounter an issue or have feedback, please let us know through our Contact Us page.
Heat Warning for the City of Hamilton.
Significant heat and humidity will arrive on Tuesday, September 1.
For information about heat-related illnesses, cool place locations and reducing your risk, visit hamilton.ca/heat.
The elevator at Ancaster Branch is not working. We're working to get it fixed quickly.
Due to a glass door installation for the new Makerspace area, Concession Branch will close at 1 pm on Thursday, September 3. It is expected to reopen to its regular hours with limited services on Friday, September 4. Stay tuned for continual updates.
www.hpl.ca/concession
All HPL Branches are closed on Sunday, September 6 and Labour Day, Monday, September 7. Bookmobile is off the road. Extended Access is not available. Regular service hours resume on Tuesday, September 8.
Please note that Milton Avenue at Barton Street is under construction. Access to the parking lot is limited. Nearby street parking is available and an HSR route out front. Thank you for your patience.
The Print on the Go service is not working at all Branches. We aim to fix it as soon as possible.
Due to Staff training, the following service modifications are planned.
Visit www.hpl.ca/hours for open alternate locations.
Bookmobile has the following schedule modifications for September:
Please visit www.hpl.ca/bookmobile for updates on service modifications.
Tuesday, September 8
Thursday, September 10
Saturday, September 12
Thursday, September 17
Friday, September 18
After Hours Study Hall is not available in July and August. Hours will resume Tuesday, September 8. www.hpl.ca/study-halls
Saturday July 11
9am-4pm
Central Library, 4th Floor
Join fellow romance readers for the second annual Steel Town Love, a full day of swoon-worthy events featuring author talks, signings, a romance book market and more.
Registration includes access to a full day of romance-filled fun. Some of our most popular sessions may fill up, so we recommend arriving early to grab a great seat for your top picks.
9–10am
Welcome and Check-In
10–11am
Romantasy Author Panel
Featuring Amanda Connolly, Kritika H. Rao and Anuja Varghese
Moderated by Victoria S. Walsh
10am–2pm
Readers’ Lounge in the Hamilton Farmers’ Market
Romance-themed crafts, activities and more.
11:30am–12:30pm
Hannah Bonam-Young and Lavanya Lakshmi in Conversation
Moderated by Sophie Burraston
12:30–1pm
Author Signing
Featuring Amanda Connolly, Kritika H. Rao, Anuja Varghese, Hannah Bonam-Young and Lavanya Lakshmi
12:30–2:30pm
Green Screen Fun in the Makerspace
Star in Your Own Romance Book Cover
1–2:30pm
Break
1–2pm
Writing Workshop: Introduction to Self-Publishing
With Hudson Lin
Hamilton Room – Limited to 40 spots
2:30–3:30pm
Contemporary Romance Author Panel
Featuring Lily Chu, Frankie Scott (Zoe Whittall) and Ellie K. Wilde
Moderated by Anuja Varghese
3:30–4pm
Author Signing
Featuring Hudson Lin, Lily Chu, Frankie Scott and Ellie K. Wilde
Crafts, activities and the book market will be available throughout the day from 9am–4pm.
Presented in partnership with Epic Books, gritLIT and the Hamilton Farmers’ Market. Book sales provided by Epic Books.
Hannah Bonam-Young
A New York Times bestselling romance author whose work features diverse, disabled, marginalized and LGBTQIA+ characters. Hannah blends swoon-worthy romance with the realities of everyday life. She lives near Niagara Falls with her family.
Sophie Burraston
A romance reader, interviewer and publishing professional originally from Brisbane, Australia, now based in Ontario. Sophie works with bestselling authors Hannah Bonam-Young and Becka Mack.
Lily Chu
Author of eight acclaimed romance and women’s fiction novels, including Audible Originals performed by stars such as Phillipa Soo, John Cho and Simu Liu. Lily lives in Toronto with her family and two cats.
Amanda Connolly
A Canadian political journalist and editor, and recipient of the EU-Canada Young Journalist Fellowship. The Lure of Wolves and Whispers is her debut novel.
Lavanya Lakshmi
Lavanya Lakshmi has lived in nine cities across India, China, the US, and Canada. One of her many childhood homes was a suite on the 37th floor of a luxury hotel. She has a Master's degree from NYU and is in the Board of Directors for the Festival of Literary Diversity. Her debut novel, Leave and Come Back, was named one of Indigo's Best 100 Books of the Year (So Far) and one of Amazon's Best Romances for the month of June.
Hudson Lin
Writes heartfelt romances featuring queer people of colour. Hudson is also Program Coordinator at the Festival of Literary Diversity and co-host of the Into the FOLD Podcast.
Kritika H. Rao
A speculative and children’s fiction author whose work explores identity, consciousness and belonging through stories shaped by her international lived experiences.
Frankie Scott
The romance-writing pen name of bestselling novelist and TV writer Zoe Whittall, known for work on Schitt’s Creek, Degrassi and Baroness von Sketch Show.
Anuja Varghese
An award-winning Hamilton-based writer whose debut romantasy novel A Kiss of Crimson Ash launches a new trilogy inspired by medieval India.
Victoria S. Walsh
Author of The Iron Hex Trilogy and creator of fantasy, fashion and book content online. Victoria is a graduate of McMaster University.
Ellie K. Wilde
Writer of contemporary romance and romantic comedies featuring fiery heroines and lovable heroes.
*Steeltown Love Illustrations created by Ashley Cheree
