The elevator at Ancaster Branch is not working. We're working to get it fixed quickly.
Ancaster Branch Elevator Out of Order
Published:
Tuesday, September 1, 2026 - 12:00pm
Labour Day - All HPL Branches Closed
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.
Published:
Monday, August 31, 2026 - 2:45pm
Barton Branch - Construction in Area
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.
Published:
Monday, August 31, 2026 - 2:30pm
Print on the Go Currently Unavailable
The Print on the Go service is not working at all Branches. We aim to fix it as soon as possible.
Published:
Thursday, August 27, 2026 - 12:30pm
Concession Branch - Temporarily Reopening
Starting Thursday, August 27, the Branch has reopened to its regular hours with limited services for a few weeks while construction is paused. The interior construction of a new Makerspace will resume in mid-September. Stay tuned for more updates.
Published:
Thursday, August 27, 2026 - 8:00am
Delayed Openings and Closures
Due to Staff training, the following service modifications are planned.
- Turner Park: Wednesday, September 2, Noon-1 pm Closure
- Red Hill: Friday, September 18, Delayed Opening of 10 am
- Central Library: Tuesday, September 29, Delayed Opening of 10 am
Visit www.hpl.ca/hours for open alternate locations.
Published:
Tuesday, August 25, 2026 - 2:00pm
Bookmobile Schedule Modifications for September
Bookmobile has the following schedule modifications for September:
Please visit www.hpl.ca/bookmobile for updates on service modifications.
Tuesday, September 8
- Strathcona - Cancelled
- McMaster - Cancelled
Thursday, September 10
- Rockton and Millgrove visits moved to Saturdays (Starting September 12)
Saturday, September 12
- Stoney Creek - Cancelled
- Riverdale - Cancelled
Thursday, September 17
- Mohawk Gardens - Cancelled
- Meadowlands - Cancelled
Friday, September 18
- Winona - Cancelled
- Queen Victoria - Cancelled
Published:
Monday, August 24, 2026 - 9:30am
Study Halls Pause for Summer Break
After Hours Study Hall is not available in July and August. Hours will resume Tuesday, September 8. www.hpl.ca/study-halls
Published:
Tuesday, June 23, 2026 - 3:00pm
Total Solar Eclipse April 8
The Countdown is Totality On
The Solar Eclipse has come and gone!
If you would like to donate your ISO safety solar eclipse glasses, return them to any HPL Branch or Bookmobile visit. HPL and McMaster University have teamed up with the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada - Hamilton Centre to collect and redistribute. Thank you for returning your glasses.
Get Equipped for the Eclipse – Safety Glasses - Out of Stock!
You should never look at the sun without proper protection. During most of the total solar eclipse, you should only look directly at the Sun if you are using protective eyewear.
HPL no longer has solar glasses. More than 80,000 were distributed to the public. You may be able to pick up a pair at Haldimand Public Library branches, McMaster University, Six Nations Public Library.
Safe Solar Eclipse Viewing
A solar eclipse occurs when the moon partially or totally covers the Sun. It is fascinating, but it is important to guard against damage to your eyes. Follow these options for safe viewing.
Safety First
Use approved solar eclipse viewers that meet international standard ISO 12312-2. Glasses distributed by Hamilton Public Library are provided by McMaster University and meet these standards. Make sure the glasses are not damaged or scratched before use. Sunglasses, even those with a very dark tint, are NOT sufficient protection.
Watch Online
Watch an online livestream of the event from a verified source such as NASA Live. Alternatively, check out a recording of the eclipse after it has happened.
For more information visit 2023 Eclipse.
Frequently Asked Questions
Monday April 8, 2024.
The eclipse will begin in downtown Hamilton around 2:03 p.m., totality will be around 3:18 p.m. and will last 1 minute and 50 seconds, the eclipse will end around 4:31 p.m. For the exact time at your location visit 2024 Eclipse Simulator
No, Hamilton is on the edge of the totality path, so some areas will not be in totality. These areas will still experience an eclipse, but the sun will not be totally blocked out. To see if your location is in totality and for the exact time at your location visit 2024 Eclipse Simulator .
The path of totality is where observers will see the Moon completely cover the Sun.
In the path of totality, where the Moon completely covers the Sun, the sky will become dark, as if it were dawn or dusk. For those who only experience a partial solar eclipse, the sky will appear slightly darker than it was before the eclipse, depending on how much the Moon blocks the Sun in their location.
You can expect the temperature to drop about 5 degrees Celsius, depending on the humidity and cloud cover at your location.
Space Reads for Earthlings
Browse a celestial selection of books about solar eclipses, the stars and the universe.
Far Out Science and Space-Themed Programs
Become one with the night sky inside the McMaster portable planetarium, learn about Stars, Planets and More with the Hamilton Amateur Astronomers Club and take part in a Solar Eclipse themed STEAM Learning Lab. April 8 is also your headquarters for PA Day fun, with morning programming for kids of all ages.
Countdown Until Solar Eclipse:
