Photocopying and Scanning is not working at Westdale Branch. We aim to fix it as soon as possible.
Daily print balances for black and white and colour printing change January 2, 2026. The new daily print balance is 40 cents. Members receive four free black and white copies or two free colour copies.
Large format and vinyl printing pricing also change on January 2. Visit https://www.hpl.ca/makerspaces for updates.
Bookmobile is off the road from December 25-27, December 31, and January 1st. Visit www.hpl.ca/bookmobile for our Holiday Schedule.
Due to the setup for the Noon Hour Concert, the Fourth Floor at Central Library will be closed on Friday, January 2. Makerspace and Newcomer Learning Centre will remain open. Floors 1-3 have spaces to work and study.
All HPL Branches close early on Wednesday, December 24 at 1pm. All locations are also closed on Christmas Day, Thursday, December 25, and Boxing Day, Friday, December 26. Visit www.hpl.ca/hours for our Holiday Schedule.
All HPL Branches close early on Wednesday, December 31 at 1pm. All locations are also closed on New Year's Day, Thursday, January 1st. Regular service hours resume on Friday, January 2. www.hpl.ca/hours
All branches close on Thursday, December 25, for Christmas. This includes branches with Extended Access.
All branches close on Sunday, December 28, 2025. This includes branches with Extended Access.
All branches close on Thursday January 1 for New Years Day. This includes branches with Extended Access.
All branches close on Friday, December 26, 2025 for Boxing Day . This includes branches with Extended Access.
Branch Study Halls are paused Friday, December 19, 2025 through Monday, January 5, 2026. Central Library Study Hall hours resume Spring 2026.
www.hpl.ca/study-halls
Bring back your borrowed library items (due Oct 1 or later) within 28 days to avoid a replacement or lost fee. We'll remove the fee when you bring back your overdue items.
Local Author Jaclyn Desforges Next Writer in Residence
Starting the week of September 12 until April 2024, Jaclyn is available to mentor aspiring writers Tuesdays at McMaster University, Chester New Hall, Room 312 and Thursdays at Central Library, 4th Floor Program Room, 10am-6pm. The residency also gives the author time to develop her own works in progress.
“I can’t wait to work with new and emerging writers from the Hamilton area and beyond, and to dive deep into my own creative practice with the support and encouragement of McMaster and HPL,” said Jaclyn.
The program is supported by Hamilton Public Library, McMaster Faculty of Humanities and McMaster University Library. It started in 1999. Jaclyn is the 26th Writer in Residence. She is the author of poetry book Danger Flower and picture book Why Are You So Quiet? She is also the winner of the 2022 Hamilton Literary Award for Poetry, 2022 City of Hamilton Creator Award, 2020 Hamilton Emerging Artist Award for Writing and the 2018 RBC/PEN Canada New Voices Award.
“As a poet, fiction and non-fiction writer, Jaclyn brings a wealth of creativity, energy and vision to this role, and we are excited both to see what emerges in her own writing this year as well as how emerging writers in our region grow in their own creative accomplishments,” said Daniel Coleman, Professor of English and Cultural Studies at McMaster University.
“McMaster University Library is proud to be a partner in this program that invests in Canadian authors, supporting not only the development of their works, but also the mentorship of local writers,” said Vivian Lewis, McMaster University Librarian.
“Hamilton Public Library takes pride in shining a spotlight on local talent and the Writer in Residence program is sure to expand the contributions to this robust collection,” said Cindy Poggiaroni, Director, Collections and Program Development.
You can also meet Jaclyn at a Welcome Reception Sep 12, 6:30pm at Central Library’s 4th Floor. She will also facilitate a Writing Circle Oct 19, 4:30pm at Central Library’s 4th Floor. Details about more Writer-in-Residence events at hpl.ca/writer-in-residence.
About the Program
The Mabel Pugh Taylor Writer in Residence program is led by McMaster University’s Department of English and Cultural Studies of the Faculty of Humanities in partnership with McMaster University Library and Hamilton Public Library. It is supported by the Taylor family.
About Hamilton Public Library
The Hamilton Public Library is a vibrant hub for information and culture, providing our diverse community the Freedom to Discover. As one of the largest library systems in Canada, Hamiltonians will discover something new at our 23 locations, Bookmobile, or through our extensive digital collections. Visit us online at hpl.ca. Connect with us on Twitter and Instagram @hamiltonlibrary and Facebook at HamiltonPublicLibrary.
Media Contact
Shelley McKay
Manager, Communications, HPL
905.546.3200 x5934
905.973.1847







