Due to ongoing construction on the second floor, the Sherwood Makerspace is temporarily unavailable. We anticipate reopening in late June. The nearest Makerspace location is Concession Branch.
Sherwood Makerspace Unavailable
Published:
Tuesday, June 2, 2026 - 11:00am
Digital Microfilm Readers Are Currently Unavailable
Digital microfilm readers are not available at Central library branch until further notice. We're working on a repair. In the meantime a single analog reader is available in the Local History and Archives Reading Room
Published:
Monday, May 25, 2026 - 12:00pm
SmartPay Service Not Available
HPL's online payment service is not working. We aim to restore it quickly. Apologies for the inconvenience.
Published:
Friday, May 22, 2026 - 2:15pm
Bookmobile Service Modification
Due to Driver availability, Bookmobile has the following schedule modifications for the month of June. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Bookmobile Service June Modifications
Friday, June 5:
- Winona - Cancelled
- Queen Victoria - Cancelled
Saturday, June 6:
- All Regular Sites are Cancelled due to a Special Event
Published:
Friday, May 22, 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
Draft Page
Saturday July 11
9am-4pm
Central Library, 4th Floor
Join fellow romance readers for the second annual Steel Town Love, a full day of swoon-worthy events featuring author talks, signings, a romance book market and more.
Registration includes access to a full day of romance-filled fun. Some of our most popular sessions may fill up, so we recommend arriving early to grab a great seat for your top picks.
Event Schedule
9–10am
Welcome and Check-In
10–11am
Romantasy Author Panel
Featuring Amanda Connolly, Kritika H. Rao and Anuja Varghese
Moderated by Victoria S. Walsh
10am–2pm
Readers’ Lounge in the Hamilton Farmers’ Market
Romance-themed crafts, activities and more.
11:30am–12:30pm
Hannah Bonam-Young and Lavanya Lakshmi in Conversation
Moderated by Sophie Burraston
12:30–1pm
Author Signing
Featuring Amanda Connolly, Kritika H. Rao, Anuja Varghese, Hannah Bonam-Young and Lavanya Lakshmi
12:30–2:30pm
Green Screen Fun in the Makerspace
Star in Your Own Romance Book Cover
1–2:30pm
Break
1–2pm
Writing Workshop: Introduction to Self-Publishing
With Hudson Lin
Hamilton Room – Limited to 40 spots
2:30–3:30pm
Contemporary Romance Author Panel
Featuring Lily Chu, Frankie Scott (Zoe Whittall) and Ellie K. Wilde
Moderated by Anuja Varghese
3:30–4pm
Author Signing
Featuring Hudson Lin, Lily Chu, Frankie Scott and Ellie K. Wilde
Crafts, activities and the book market will be available throughout the day from 9am–4pm.
Presented in partnership with Epic Books, gritLIT and the Hamilton Farmers’ Market. Book sales provided by Epic Books.
Featured Authors and Moderators
Hannah Bonam-Young
A New York Times bestselling romance author whose work features diverse, disabled, marginalized and LGBTQIA+ characters. Hannah blends swoon-worthy romance with the realities of everyday life. She lives near Niagara Falls with her family.
Sophie Burraston
A romance reader, interviewer and publishing professional originally from Brisbane, Australia, now based in Ontario. Sophie works with bestselling authors Hannah Bonam-Young and Becka Mack.
Lily Chu
Author of eight acclaimed romance and women’s fiction novels, including Audible Originals performed by stars such as Phillipa Soo, John Cho and Simu Liu. Lily lives in Toronto with her family and two cats.
Amanda Connolly
A Canadian political journalist and editor, and recipient of the EU-Canada Young Journalist Fellowship. The Lure of Wolves and Whispers is her debut novel.
Lavanya Lakshmi
A Toronto-based writer and publishing professional whose debut novel Leave and Come Back will be published in 2026. She also serves on the board of directors for the Festival of Literary Diversity.
Hudson Lin
Writes heartfelt romances featuring queer people of colour. Hudson is also Program Coordinator at the Festival of Literary Diversity and co-host of the Into the FOLD Podcast.
Kritika H. Rao
A speculative and children’s fiction author whose work explores identity, consciousness and belonging through stories shaped by her international lived experiences.
Frankie Scott
The romance-writing pen name of bestselling novelist and TV writer Zoe Whittall, known for work on Schitt’s Creek, Degrassi and Baroness von Sketch Show.
Anuja Varghese
An award-winning Hamilton-based writer whose debut romantasy novel A Kiss of Crimson Ash launches a new trilogy inspired by medieval India.
Victoria S. Walsh
Author of The Iron Hex Trilogy and creator of fantasy, fashion and book content online. Victoria is a graduate of McMaster University.
Ellie K. Wilde
Writer of contemporary romance and romantic comedies featuring fiery heroines and lovable heroes.
*Steeltown Love Illustrations created by Ashley Cheree
