Ancaster Branch is closing early April 29 2025, due to a power outage. We aim to have it restored quickly.
The internet at Valley Park Branch is working intermittently. We apologize for the inconvenience.
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.
Extended Access at Freelton Branch is not working. We aim to fix it quickly. Apologies for the inconvenience.
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.
The first phase of renovations will begin at the Sherwood Branch from April 10 to May 2. During this time, noise disruptions may occur throughout the branch due to a basement renovation. Parking, access to the building, and collections will not be affected. Thank you for your patience. www.hpl.ca/sherwood
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.
Central Library
Mon: 8:00 am-8:00 pm
Tue: 8:00 am-8:00 pm
Wed: 8:00 am-8:00 pm
Thu: 8:00 am-8:00 pm
Fri: 8:00 am-6:00 pm
Sat: 8:00 am-5:00 pm
Monday: 8:00 pm-12:00 am
Tuesday: 8:00 pm-12:00 am
Wednesday: 8:00 pm-12:00 am
Thursday: 8:00 pm-12:00 am
Friday: Closed
Saturday: Closed
289-779-7588 *HPL Main Line
*Between 8:00 am and 9:00 am, only the Library’s First Floor is open.
The first Hamilton Public Library building opened on September 16, 1890 by the Earl and Countess of Aberdeen on the north side of Main Street West. In 1913, a new main library opened. This building was replaced in 1980 by Central Library, at the current location on York Boulevard.
In 2010, Central Library re-opened after approximately 18 months of renovations. Central Library opened with a newly revitalized first floor, which includes a Community Living Room that takes advantage of natural light. The Ontario Library Association honoured Central in 2012 with an Architectural and Design Transformation award.
The Central Library also has The Seed Library. The Seed Library is provided in partnership with the Hamilton Seed Library. Its lending process is very simple, visit the branch, pick the seeds that you would like to take and fill out the log sheet. There are no limits to how much you can take, all that is requested is that everyone respect that this is a community resource and that they only take a reasonable amount.
Central Library offers materials and programming for children, teens and adults. The Library also has dedicated spaces and program rooms for children, teens and adults.
Visit the Newcomer Learning Centre on the 4th Floor for English language learning resources, programs and services.
The Local History & Archives (LH&A) Department has been collecting and preserving Hamilton's history since 1914. LHA is located on the 3rd Floor.
Central Library is located at 55 York Blvd, Hamilton, ON L8R 3K1.
Directions From Toronto:
Exit at York Boulevard.
Follow York Boulevard past Bay Street and FirstOntario Centre.
Library is on the right-hand side.
From Niagara Falls:
Exit at York Boulevard.
Follow York Boulevard past Bay Street and FirstOntario Centre.
Library is on the right-hand side.
From Brantford:
Exit at Main Street East.
Follow Main Street to Bay Street.
Turn left onto Bay Street.
Follow Bay Street to York Boulevard and turn right past FirstOntario Centre
Library is on the right-hand side.
Parking
Public parking lots are located in the immediate vicinity.