Ancestry Library Edition is not accessible today, Tuesday, May 20, due to a technical issue. The estimated time of disruption is unknown at this time. We apologize for any inconvenience.
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.
The Friday May 30 Bookmobile visits to Huntington Park, Winona and Maplewood Avenue are cancelled.
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.
Family Literacy Day 2025

National Family Literacy Day, also known as Snuggle Up and Read Together Day, is Monday, January 27, 2025. HPL has plenty of Snuggle Up and Read Storytimes to celebrate this annual event. This year's theme is ‘Let’s go Green, Together’. Make a pledge as a family to learn ways to be more green. Being green together is a fun way to learn as a family while being kind to the environment.
Download free resources, including activity sheets and bookmarks, to help promote the importance of reading in today’s world.
Literacy is the greatest skill a parent and/or caregiver can give to a child. It is the foundation for creativity, expression, lifelong learning and well-being.
Borrow new and favourite books to read together from HPL.
Need an HPL library card? Register for one and get started exploring our branches and collections.