Bell is experiencing intermittent outages, which may impact some HPL services. Bell is working on a solution. 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.
Until Saturday May 31, the Ancaster Branch is temporarily relocated to the Ancaster Rotary Centre, 385 Jerseyville Road West, Ancaster. The Wilson Street branch is closed for a roof and HVAC replacement.
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 reopens its 22 branches
Welcome Back: Hamilton Public Library reopens its 22 branches
In-branch services include browsing and computer use
HAMILTON, ON – July 29, 2020 – Beginning July 30, HPL branches are open for browsing, holds pickup, computer access and use of printers, scanner, fax and Central Makerspace equipment. New branch hours are Tuesday-Thursday 11AM-7PM and Friday- Saturday 11AM-5PM. No computers available at Locke branch.
In-branch service updates include:
- All visitors are required to have a library card to ensure accurate contact tracing.
- Hamilton’s mask bylaw: Members visiting a branch are requested to wear masks. HPL will provide a free mask for members needing one.
- Members and staff are expected to practice physical distancing.
- Increased cleaning and sanitizing protocols are in place. Hand sanitizer is available for members and staff.
- Staff wear PPE.
- Each facility has reduced maximum capacity.
- In-branch furniture and computers are spaced to accommodate distancing and protection, including plexiglass barriers at staff service desks.
- Returned items are quarantined for 72 hours.
- In-person programs or events are not yet available.
- Fax and Makerspace equipment (except Sound and Video studios) is only offered at Central Library.
- Bookmobile and Visiting Library Service returns in Fall.
- Members needing additional help should call 905.546.3200, email AskHPL@hpl.ca or chat with staff at hpl.ca.
Please return items to book drops. All library materials are quarantined for 72 hours before being checked in, so it may take a few days for the update to be reflected on your account.
When visiting HPL, all adults and children must wear a mask (per the City bylaw) and show their library card for contact tracing. Staff will first ask health-screening questions and if clear, direct members to available in-branch services. If a visitor isn’t a card-holder yet, or doesn’t have their card, staff can make a new card or look up their account number.
“We’re moving to Phase 3 because of the collective work of people in our community. We’re excited to welcome back all Hamilton Public Library members. All branches have increased cleaning and new services,” says Paul Takala, CEO/Chief Librarian, Hamilton Public Library. “It’s truly an example of Hamilton’s resilience that we’re rounding the bend. Let’s continue to make good progress by working together to reopen slowly and safely. We hope to see you at a branch soon.”
HPL’s virtual branch is always open. Visit hpl.ca for online resources and programs, including Storytimes, author readings, book clubs, crafts, tech classes and more.
Reach library staff by phone 905.546.3200, email AskHPL@hpl.ca or online chat at hpl.ca. For the latest library service updates and resources, visit www.hpl.ca/reopens.