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Published:

Thursday, September 11, 2025 - 3:00pm

Red Book by Hamilton Public Library Inclusion Policy and Terms of Use

Policy Purpose

To clearly illustrate the scope and breadth of records kept in the Red Book, the intentions of this resource, and to set out terms for how this information is owned by HPL, used and shared by others.

Key Points Summary

Red Book by HPL provides equitable access and support for knowledge of programs, organizations and resources in the community.
HPL determines which records are contained in the Red Book based on our Inclusion and Exclusion criteria
HPL accepts no liability for accuracy of information in the Red Book and does not endorse any organization or program by its inclusion
HPL welcomes suggestions and feedback to redbook@hpl.ca, however we reserve the right to determine and edit records at our discretion

Policy Details

Hamilton Public Library gathers, organizes, maintains and shares information about community organizations and programs that provide services to the public. Red Book by Hamilton Public Library makes this information readily available to the community, enabling people to make informed choices to improve their quality of life. We produce and manage the Red Book, a resource database of community services.

Listing Inclusion

Red Book by Hamilton Public Library includes services located in the City of Hamilton or serving the people of Hamilton that are:

non-profit, community-based services
government services
elected representatives (in a non-partisan manner)
grassroots organizations

Commercial organizations are generally excluded, except in cases where:

They provide a service not offered by the non-profit sector
They meet the specific needs of an underrepresented group or group that faces systemic barriers to service

Red Book by Hamilton Public Library includes, but is not limited to, services related to:

Aging
Basic needs
Cultural groups
Education
Employment and training
Environment
Faith groups and places of worship
Health
Legal and criminal system
Recreation
Settlement and integration
Youth services

Inclusion in the Red Book is free and subject to the discretion of Hamilton Public Library.

Listing Exclusion

Red Book by Hamilton Public Library, generally, does not include records for private professionals, organizations or agencies offering services for profit.
Hamilton Public Library reserves the right to exclude from the database any organization that it has, in its own discretion, adequate reason to believe may spread hatred or have a philosophy that could be hurtful to the well-being of individuals, groups or the community as a whole.

Potential grounds for exclusion or removal from the database may include, but are not limited to, service non-delivery, fraud, misrepresentation, discrimination based on grounds named in the Ontario Human Rights Code and/or the Canadian Charter of Human Rights, criminal activities, or operating outside licensing mandates.