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.
John Holland
Inducted: 2003
Reverend John Holland used faith, hope, and determination to minister to those around him. Born in Hamilton in 1882, the son of a runaway slave was raised in a time when racial discrimination still ran deep in Canada. For 33 years he worked as a railway porter - one of the few fields open to Black men during that time. He was promoted first to head porter and then to the prestigious position of private car attendant. During his many years with the railway he became close friends with a number of regular passengers. In 1924, he became an ordained minister. Reverend Holland was the first African Canadian to be honoured as Hamilton's distinguished citizen of the year in 1953.
Previous Inductees
