Access to catalogue is currently intermittent and is currently under investigation. We apologize for the inconvenience.
The Bookmobile visit to the Helen Detwiler location on Wed Jul 29 is cancelled.
As of July 1, Partner Library Members can no longer borrow HPL Express items via OverDrive. More to Borrow partner libraries offer Lucky Express (Skip the Line) titles to their cardholders only. This helps manage wait times for popular titles. Lucky Express is a collection of in-demand titles with a seven-day loan and no wait time.
Partner Library Members can borrow titles from the main collection.
hpl.ca/more-to-borrow
The What's Happening Guide has been retired and replaced with different communications channels and tactics. You can find the new Summer Reading Flyer here. Watch for future communications updates.
Sunday hours return to Central Library. Beginning July 5, Central is open Noon to 5pm. Dundas, Red Hill, Terryberry, Turner Park, Valley Park and Waterdown branches are also open Sundays, 1 to 5pm. hpl.ca/hours
After Hours Study Hall is not available in July and August. Hours will resume Tuesday, September 8. www.hpl.ca/study-halls
LGBT2SQ+ Community Archive
Updated May 1, 2025
Michael Johnstone fonds is the founding collection of the Hamilton 2SLGBTQ+ Community Archive at Hamilton Public Library (HPL).
HPL's Local History and Archives Staff are very familiar with this Archive; it is well organized and described. It is a large Archive with some restrictions for privacy; researchers are asked to schedule a research visit by phone or email.
You can find more information here: https://archives.hpl.ca/index.php/michael-johnstone-fond
Updated July 3, 2018
Hamilton Public Library is grateful to Michael Johnstone for his founding donation to our new LGBT2SQ+ Community Archive. Michael has lovingly captured more than 50 years of Hamilton’s LGBT2SQ+ history – serving as a self-appointed archivist for a segment of the population that has long been marginalized. The collection contains news clippings, photos, meeting minutes, newsletters and more.
The donation was accepted by our Chief Librarian Paul Takala, on Sunday June 17, 2018 during the Hamilton Pride celebration at Gage Park. It will be housed in our Local History & Archives department at Central Library, for the betterment of our fine City and its many rainbow residents.
Thank you very much, Michael.







