Due to the Touch-A-Truck event being cancelled, Bookmobile will be visiting its regularly scheduled Saturday sites instead (Stoney Creek Arena, Riverdale, and Discovery Centre). www.hpl.ca/bookmobile
Bookmobile Service Update
Published:
Thursday, May 21, 2026 - 2:30pm
Central Library - Fax Machine Out of Order
Please note that the fax machine is currently out of order. The estimated time of repair is unknown. Thank you for your patience.
Published:
Thursday, May 21, 2026 - 12:00pm
Turner Park - Study Hall Cancellation
Study Hall on Thursday, May 21, is cancelled due to plumbing maintenance. Study Hall will resume on Monday, May 25. Thank you for your patience.
Published:
Wednesday, May 20, 2026 - 12:00pm
Staff Professional Development Day - All Branches Closed
All HPL Branches are closed on Friday May 29, for Staff Professional Development. Bookmobile is off the road and Extended Access service is not available. Regular service hours resume on Saturday May 30.
Visit our Virtual Branch at hpl.ca for our online resources and collections.
Published:
Thursday, May 14, 2026 - 12:00pm
Central Library: Children's Area Renovation on 2nd Floor
Renovations are currently underway for the 2nd Floor Central Children's Area. Programs are still being offered as scheduled and there is a temporary pop-up Children’s Area on the northeast side of the 2nd Floor (near the Piano Room), including access to collections and train tables. Construction is expected to be completed by late Spring. Thank you for your patience.
Published:
Monday, March 23, 2026 - 9:00am
Sherwood Branch: Renovations
As of Monday, March 2, Sherwood Branch's 2nd Floor is closed due to renovations. Makerspace, Children and Teen's collection are temporarily available on the 1st Floor. All programs will be held in the basement program room. Renovations are expected to be completed in late Spring. Thank you for your patience.
Published:
Tuesday, February 10, 2026 - 1:00pm
FAQ - Volunteer page
What do I need to be a Hamilton Public Library volunteer?
- The Hamilton Public Library offers a wide variety of volunteer opportunities and each position requires different qualifications. For further information please read the detailed descriptions for each of our positions.
What is the time commitment required to be a volunteer?
- The volunteer programs at the Hamilton Public Library have varying time commitments. Programs such as Reading Buddies run only during the summer. Other programs require longer commitment times. The English Language Learning (ELL) Tutoring program requires a minimum commitment of six months.
How long does it take to be placed in a volunteer position?
- Placement times vary by the position. Some volunteer programs run only at certain times of the year (such as Teen Tech). Other programs such as the English Language Learning (ELL) Tutoring program take longer for placement since the volunteer and student need to be matched based on several factors including schedules, gender, approximate age and other factors.
- Application forms are kept on file for six months; you will be contacted if there is a position available.
How old do I have to be to volunteer?
- Youth volunteers must be 14 and older. Opportunities available for youth include Teen Tech and Summer Reading Buddies. Please note that volunteer applicants under 18 require a parent/guardian signature on the application form.
- Adult volunteers must be 19 and older. ELL Tutoring positions are open to adults only.
Do I need a Police Check?
- Volunteers ages 18 and older will need to provide Police Checks once they have been accepted as a volunteer. The position description will specify which type of Police Check is required.
- Please do not apply and pay for a Police Check before being accepted as a volunteer.
Who can I use as a reference if I'm a teen?
- Teens who are applying for youth volunteer positions can use a teacher, guidance counsellor, neighbour, family friend, a member of their place of worship, past or present employers (including someone you have babysat for) or other adults who can confirm that you are suitable for the position. Remember to include their phone number and to ask permission before using someone's name as a reference.
Where can I find more information?
- The Volunteer Coordinator can be contacted at (905) 546-3200 x1045 or volunteer@hpl.ca
