Ancaster Branch is closing early April 29 2025, due to a power outage. We aim to have it restored quickly.
The internet at Valley Park Branch is working intermittently. We apologize for the inconvenience.
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.
Extended Access at Freelton Branch is not working. We aim to fix it quickly. Apologies for the inconvenience.
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.
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
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.
Peer Support Workers Help Struggling Members at Central Library
HAMILTON – Wed Jan 22, 2025 - Hamilton Public Library (HPL) recently welcomed four new Peer Support Workers, Misty Thaler, Mike Lavelle, Paul Dolhun and Harrison Wheeler to Central Library.
The workers from Canadian Mental Health Association Hamilton (CMHA) began their work of helping Members with mental illness and addiction struggles on Jan 13.
Misty, Mike, Paul and Harrison will support Members in many ways, including counselling, helping them connect with local financial, housing and food resources and completing referral forms as needed.
The Peer Support program is a one-year pilot. Getting to this launch date took a year. Throughout the year, HPL and CMHA will measure the success of this partnership through testimony and data to determine potential expansion.
Peer support is an evidence-based, essential core service for addressing the complex needs of people with mental health and addictions concerns in community spaces like libraries.
“This partnership is an example of how HPL is working with partners to support residents in our spaces, while we focus on providing public library service. A special thank you to Dr. James Gillet from McMaster University and his team. Our research partnerships with them resulted in facilitating this shared effort between HPL and CMHA Hamilton,” said HPL CEO Paul Takala.
“CMHA Peer Support Workers leverage their lived experience, deep empathy and expertise in navigating Hamilton’s health and social services and will provide easily accessible support to people in need at Central Library,” said CMHA Hamilton CEO Sue Phipps.
HPL and CMHA are grateful to McMaster University’s Community Research Platform for facilitating the partnership and their evaluation of this innovative collaboration.