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 Morgan Firestone Arena, 385 Jerseyville Road West, Ancaster. The last day to pick up your Holds is Thursday, May 1st. Thank you for your understanding.
Ancaster Branch - Temporary Closure, May 5-31
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Published:
Wednesday, April 16, 2025 - 11:00am
All Branches Closed for Good Friday
All branches closed on Friday, April 18, 2025 for Good Friday. This includes branches with Extended Access.
All Branches and Bookmobile Stops
Published:
Friday, April 11, 2025 - 10:15am
All Branches Closed for Easter Sunday
All branches closed on Sunday, April 20, 2025 for Easter Sunday. This includes branches with Extended Access.
All Branches and Bookmobile Stops
Published:
Friday, April 11, 2025 - 10:15am
All Branches Closed for Easter Monday
All branches closed on Monday, April 21, 2025 for Easter Monday. This includes branches with Extended Access.
All Branches and Bookmobile Stops
Published:
Friday, April 11, 2025 - 10:15am
Central Library - Microfilm Machine
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.
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Published:
Thursday, April 10, 2025 - 3:30pm
Barton Branch - Roof Repair
Due to the ongoing roof repair project, noise and parking disruptions will continue until April 25. Thank you for your patience.
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Published:
Tuesday, April 8, 2025 - 3:30pm
Sherwood Branch - Basement Renovation
The first phase of renovations will begin at the Sherwood Branch from April 10 to May 2. During this time, noise disruptions may occur throughout the branch due to a basement renovation. Parking, access to the building, and collections will not be affected. Thank you for your patience. www.hpl.ca/sherwood
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Published:
Monday, April 7, 2025 - 8:30am
Phishing Scheme
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.
All Branches and Bookmobile Stops
Published:
Thursday, April 3, 2025 - 10:30am
Join an HPL Book Club or Create One
If you’re looking to discuss the last book you read and always on the lookout for the next great read, join a HPL Book Club, or create your own club.
HPL offers many Book Clubs that feature fiction, non-fiction, romance, and French Check out our virtual clubs hpl.ca or join an in-person book club at a branch.
If you are keen to create a club with fellow book lovers, HPL has more than 350 titles to choose from in the Book Club Kit collection. Each kit has 10-12 books of the same title, along with a discussion guide, author bio and reviews — all contained in a large bag.
To borrow a kit, you need a valid HPL library card. Then, browse the collection, place holds or pause the kit for pick up at a later date. Kits can also be renewed, if no other book club is waiting for it.
Join a book club by signing up online at hpl.ca, or place a hold on a Book Club Kit.
Have more questions? Read through the Book Club Kit FAQ below.
Book Club FAQ
What is a Book Club Kit?
A Book Club Kit contains 10-12 copies of one title. When possible, it includes 10 standard copies and two large print copies. The kit also contains discussion questions, reviews, a sign-out sheet and an author biography.
Who can borrow Book Club Kits?
Anyone with a valid HPL card. Need one? Head to any HPL branch to sign up for a card. Bring two pieces of identification: one with your photo and one with your current address.
Can I still use my Book Club Kit HPL card?
Yes. But new Book Club Kit cards are no longer created, as all Members can place holds on any items in the catalogue with their personal HPL card.
Can Book Club Kits be reserved in advance?
Yes. You can browse the kits from our library catalogue and titles can be paused for a later date. Titles cannot be reserved for a specific date. Branch staff can help you place holds on Kits. Contact HPL at 905-546-3200, email askus@hpl.ca or chat at hpl.ca.
How many Book Club Kits can I put on hold?
You can place holds on up to 50 Kits. Book Clubs are encouraged to use Pause Holds to manage their Kits. You can see where you are in the holds queue to determine when your Kit may become available.
Where can Book Club Kits be picked up?
Kits can be picked up at any of our 23 branches.
How long can book clubs keep a Kit?
They can be borrowed for six weeks. Kits can be renewed if there are no other clubs waiting for the title. No fines are charged so you can hold on to your kit a few days longer if needed.
Can Book Club Kits be renewed?
Yes. Book Club Kits can be renewed if there are no other clubs waiting for the title. No fines are charges if you need to hold on to the Kit a little longer.
How many kits does HPL have?
HPL has over 350 kits.
How are Book Club Kits selected?
HPL’s Collection librarians carefully choose titles for purchase. They take into consideration reviews and current events when purchasing Kits.
Can I suggest a Book Club Kit title for HPL’s collection?
Suggestions are accepted here, and are considered alongside new, high-demand and timely titles. Not all suggestions are selected for purchase.
What if I return a copy damaged or lose my Kit?
Fines are not charged. Please let HPL Staff know if a copy is damaged or lost.
