HPL's access to Ancestry.ca is not working. We aim to restore the service soon. Thank you for your patience.
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.
Hamilton Public Library Celebrates Jackie Washington Day
HAMILTON, ON – February 20, 2025 – Hamilton Public Library celebrates Black History Month and the life and legacy of Hamilton jazz legend Jackie Washington with a Noon Hour Concert featuring award-winning musician Ken Whiteley at Central Library on Friday, February 21, from 12:30-1:30pm.
Ken was Jackie’s long-time friend and collaborator for more than 50 years. He will share stories and perform music from Jackie’s vast repertoire, including old swing tunes, popular standards, humorous and sentimental songs, and originals.
Jackie Washington Day at HPL is an annual event that pays tribute to the beloved Hamilton musician and Canada’s first Black disc jockey. His seven-decade career enriched Hamilton’s cultural life and earned him national recognition. This event is part of HPL’s month-long Black History Month programming, which celebrates Black history, culture, and the legacy of Black Canadians.
Other upcoming Black History Month events at HPL include the Write Like – Anthology Launch on February 21 at Central 5:30-7pm. See all the remaining Black History Month events at hpl.ca. Staff has also curated recommended books, films, and music by Black authors and artists of all ages, available through Kanopy and Hoopla with an HPL Library card.
Full details are at hpl.ca/black-history-month.