Ancaster Branch Accessible Washroom Out of Order

The accessible washroom at Ancaster Branch is not working. We aim to get it fixed quickly.

Published:

Tuesday, June 23, 2026 - 1:00pm

Locke Branch - Exterior Neighbourhood Filming

From June 21 to June 27, filming activities, production vehicles and film equipment will be located on:

West side, Kent Street between Homewood Avenue and Aberdeen Avenue
East side Locke Street between Homewood Avenue and Stanley Street
South side of Homewood Avenue

Parking may be limited at times when visiting Locke Branch. Thank you in advance for your patience.

Published:

Thursday, June 18, 2026 - 2:30pm

Construction work at Barton Branch

The entrance to the Barton Branch parking lot off of Milton St. is currently inaccessible due to construction. The parking lot can still be accessed via the alley off Fullerton St. during this time.

Published:

Wednesday, June 17, 2026 - 9:15am

Phishing Scheme

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.

Published:

Wednesday, June 10, 2026 - 5:00am

Bookmobile Service Modification

Due to Driver availability, Bookmobile has the following schedule modifications for the month of June. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Bookmobile Service June Modifications

Wednesday, June 24:

Swansea - Cancelled
Helen Detwiler - Cancelled
Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum - Cancelled

Saturday, June 27:

Stoney Creek Arena - Cancelled
Riverdale - Cancelled
Discovery Centre - 3-4pm instead

Tuesday, June 30:

Greencedar - Cancelled
Mountview - Cancelled

Published:

Friday, May 22, 2026 - 12:00pm

Power of the Pen 2026 Contest Entry Form

The 32nd Anniversary of the Power of the Pen Creative Writing Contest opens on Monday, May 4, 2026.

The 32nd Power of the Pen writing competition invites writers ages 12-18 (age as of December 31, 2026) to submit original poetry and short stories in English, French or both languages. Prizes are for 1st- and 2nd-place in seven age groups (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 and 18) in poetry and short story categories. Digital submissions are encouraged.

Please review the Contest Rules.

This year's competition opens May 4, 2026, and closes September 30, 2026. Submit your work via the official entry form. Notification goes out to winners in January 2027.

First Name *

Last Name *

Address *

City *

Postal Code *

Phone Number *

Email *

Age (as of December 31, 2025) *

Library Branch *

Type of Submission

Type of Submission *

Poem

Short Story

*One entry form per submission.

Language

Language *

English

French

Title of Poetry Submission *

Language

Language *

English

French

Title of Short Story Submission *

How did you find out about the Power of the Pen?

How did you find out about the Power of the Pen? *

Check all that apply

AI Statement

AI Statement *

I agree to the full statement.

I understand that my written submission is my own writing and is not copy/paste writing from any other source. I understand that any unethical behaviour will result in an automatic disqualification, without the possibility of resubmission this year.

Other

Upload Submission *

Thank you for submitting your work to the Power of the Pen Creative Writing Contest. Please review contest and formatting rules prior to submission. Winners will be notified in January 2025. All judged submissions will be available for pick-up during the awards ceremony or at your local branch if you are unable to attend the ceremony.

Completing this form gives the Hamilton Public Library your consent to:

Collect your personal information, which will only be used by the Hamilton Public Library to communicate with you about the Power of the Pen contest.
Use you/your child’s original written submission or photograph for publicity.*

*Publicity can include print materials such as posters, brochures, local and social media, in addition to website coverage.

NOTE: Please do not put your name anywhere on your work. Your name must be on your entry form only

_{Personal information contained on this form is collected under the authority of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 1990. MFIPPA\Regulations 29. The information collected will be used in the process of the library’s business. Questions regarding the collection and use of personal information can be directed to: Chief Librarian, Hamilton Public Library, P.O. Box 2700, Hamilton, ON L8N 4E4.}

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