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
Digital Microfilm Readers Are Currently Unavailable
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
Tuesday, June 2:
- McMaster University - Cancelled
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 - 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
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
Vision and Study
Envisioning the New Discovery Centre
Hamilton Public Library (HPL) is embarking on an exciting Program Design and Development Study to test the feasibility of a new Discovery Centre (77 Harbourside Way) as part of the City of Hamilton’s West Harbour Project.
Project Vision: Indigenous Gathering Space, Public Library, Visitor Amenities, Exhibition Space and Relaxing Cafe.
HPL and IRD have identified one overarching goal for the site – the opportunity to advance social cohesion within the community by deliberately creating spaces, programs and services that attract people of all ages, cultures and economic backgrounds.
The Space
The site is generally located on Pier 8 (West Harbour) consisting of the former Canadian Discovery Centre Museum and adjacent lands at 77 Harbourside Way (formerly 57 Discovery Drive).
Specifically, the study subject lands are comprised of:
-
the former Canadian Marine Discovery Centre building
-
outdoor patio area located to the north of the building
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landscaped area located to the east and south of the building
Timeline
Work in Progress
- Work out the details through community engagement, planning 2025-2026
- Program Design & Development Study (2025-2027)
Upcoming Work
- Strategy Check
- Share plan with Council, Library Board and Community (2027)
Work completed to date
- Develop Project Supports (2023-25)
- Steering Committee and Working Groups formed (2024-25)
- Request for Proposal (2022-2025)
- Approve the Decision Making Framework (2021 to 2022)
- Conduct Opportunity Study (2022)
Key Documents
