Accessible Washroom at Redhill not available
The accessible washroom at Redhill is not available. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Holds Processing and Delivery Delays
Holds processing and deliveries to Branches will be delayed for the next week due to Staff capacity.
We are working to move materials as quickly as possible. Thank you for your patience.
Phishing Statement
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.
Allan Napier MacNab

Inducted: 1984
The name of Sir Allan Napier MacNab has been indelibly associated with the history and development of Hamilton. When he was 14, he fought alongside his father in defence of York and was promoted to the rank of ensign in the British army.
After being admitted to the Bar in 1826, he moved with his family to Hamilton and engaged in land speculation, promoting various Hamilton-based business ventures. He was elected to represent Wentworth County in the Upper Canadian Assembly. Always a dedicated Tory, he was a bitter opponent of William Lyon Mackenzie, and for MacNab his loyalty to Britain increasingly became the touchstone for party politics and he helped to form a newspaper, The Western Mercury, to promote these views.
During the Rebellion of 1837, MacNab was quick to come to the aid of the government and he mobilized the men of Gore, and travelled by steamer to Toronto in an abortive attempt to capture Mackenzie. He failed this attempt and in 1858 was ousted from the leadership, content to play the role of elder statesman.