HPL's access to Ancestry.ca is not working. We aim to restore the service soon. Thank you for your patience.
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.
These Bookmobile visits are cancelled this month:
Thursday May 15: Rockton and Meadowlands
Friday, May 16: Huntington Park
Friday, May 30: Huntington Park, Winona, and Maplewood
These Bookmobile visits are shortened:
Thursday May 15: Mohawk Gardens 2-2:30pm
Thursday May 15: Bennetto, 4:30-5:30pm
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.
Black History Month

Events
HPL is proud to host Hamilton’s Black History Month Launch on January 31. Join Black-led community organizations as we recognize the achievements of Black Hamiltonians and kick off a month of events and experiences across the City.
Join the Short Story Book Club on February 4 at Central Library to discuss James Baldwin’s Sonny’s Blues. Families can enjoy Family Storytime at Concession Branch on February 5 and 7, while young creators can craft poems from historical texts during Highlight Poetry sessions at various branches.
Enjoy inspiring music at our Noon Hour Concert Series every Friday. On February 7, experience the piano and voice of Dionne R. Grant. February 14 features the powerful vocals of Terry Rhodes, and on February 28, Big John and The Night Trippers close the series with an unforgettable performance.
On February 8, celebrate jazz legend Thelonious Monk with a film screening and live performances. Support young BIPOC entrepreneurs at the BLK Owned Youth Market on February 15. Youth writers can participate in Write Like … A Literary Comic-Con on February 20. On February 21, honour Hamilton icon Jackie Washington with a tribute concert by Ken Whiteley at noon, followed by the Write Like – Anthology Launch later that evening.
See our complete list of Black History Month Events.
Books and Media
Celebrate Black voices all year through HPL’s collections of books, music, movies and educational activities.
Books for Adults
Books for Kids
Film
We Are Hamilton – Black History Remembered
Each year, Hamilton’s Black History Month Council, in partnership with Black-led organizations and the City of Hamilton, recognizes Black Hamiltonians for their outstanding contributions. The 2025 honorees are Reverend George Edmund Fitzgerald and Haydain Neale. Learn more about their impact and upcoming events at the City of Hamilton’s Black History Month webpage.