Due to campus events, McMaster University's Bookmobile Visits for today (August 26) and Tuesday, September 2 (3:30-4:30 pm) have been cancelled. Service is expected to resume on Tuesday, September 9. Thank you for your understanding.
Cogeco is blocking emails from donotreply@hpl.ca. The estimated time of disruption is unknown as they work through the technical issue. Thank you for your patience.
The accessibility door at Carlisle Branch is not working. We aim to fix it quickly.
Parking lots, the main entrance and the exterior drop box are currently unavailable. Please use alternate entrances and parking as directed on-site.
Due to a mid-day fire drill, Turner Park Branch and Les Chater Family YMCA are closed for a fire drill from noon-1 pm. Thank you for your patience.
Due to roof repair maintenance, the Branch is temporarily closed from September 2 until October 10. Please visit Parkdale and Barton locations as your nearest branches for your library needs. Thank you for your understanding.
Please note that the audio volume levels on our public computers are having issues. The estimated time of disruption is unknown at this time. Thank you for your patience.
The accessibility ramp at Mount Hope Branch is damaged. The handrail is not available. The ramp will not be available while being repaired. We aim to fix it quickly.
British Empire Games

The first British Empire Games, now called the Commonwealth Games, were held in Hamilton, Ontario, August 16th to 23rd, 1930. This was due to the vision of Melville Marks Robinson of the Hamilton Spectator, who conceived the idea in the spring of 1928. Mr. Robinson, with the support of his associates in the Hamilton Olympic Club, members of the Hamilton City Council and Parks Board, and some of the leading business men of Canada, was able to bring the Games to Hamilton.
The Games brought together the best athletes of the British Commonwealth. There were 400 competitors from 11 countries in the first games. Local History & Archives possesses a collection of images captured during this historic event, depicting the athletes in competition, celebrating victories, as well as the massive crowds in attendance and the ceremonial elements of the Games.