The Winona Bookmobile visit on Friday, August 22 (11am-Noon) is cancelled due to the Winona Peach Festival. It is expected to resume the following week. Thank you for your understanding.
Bookmobile Modified Service
Published:
Friday, August 15, 2025 - 2:00pm
Turner Park - Mid-Day Fire Drill, September 3
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.
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Published:
Thursday, August 14, 2025 - 1:00pm
Kenilworth Branch - Upcoming Temporary Closure
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.
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Published:
Monday, August 11, 2025 - 8:00am
Turner Park - Outdoor Maintenance and Repairs
From August 18-19, accessible parking spots at the back of the building will not be available due to concrete and perimeter walkway repairs. From August 20-22, the main entrance from the back of the building will not be available. Please use the sidewalk on the side of the Branch to enter through the front entrance (off Rymal Road East) and gain access to the back parking lot. Thank you for your understanding.
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Published:
Friday, August 8, 2025 - 12:00pm
Public Computers - Audio Volume
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.
All Branches and Bookmobile Stops
Published:
Thursday, May 29, 2025 - 4:00pm
Mount Hope Branch Accessibile Ramp Not Available
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.
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Published:
Friday, May 23, 2025 - 4:30pm
Researchers at HPL
Hamilton Public Library is committed to supporting and collaborating on research that aligns with our mission to enhance community knowledge, inform public policy and improve Library services. Through partnerships with researchers, universities and other organizations, we aim to foster impactful and equitable research initiatives that benefit both the Library and the broader Hamilton community.
We welcome research proposals from academic and community-based researchers who are interested in working with HPL. Please review the How to Submit a Research Proposal below to learn more.
Research Partnership Opportunities
HPL partners with McMaster University's Community Research Platform (CRP) to align Hamilton-focused research opportunities with the Library's strategic priorities. The CRP only works with individuals affiliated with and conducting research at McMaster University.
If you are a McMaster-based researcher, you are required to follow the process outlined in the Research Partnership Guidelines listed below.
Please contact the CRP Program Manager to determine if your study is a fit for the Community Research Platform.
How to Submit a Research Proposal
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Review the HPL Research Guidelines – Before submitting a request, please read our Research Partnership Guidelines to understand our processes, expectations and focus areas.
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Complete the Research Request Form – All researchers external to McMaster University must fill out the HPL Research Request Form with details about your project, including objectives, required HPL involvement, ethical considerations and expected outcomes.
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Submit Your Proposal – Submit your completed form. Our team will review your proposal and assess its alignment with HPL’s strategic priorities and capacity.
Important Considerations
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Limited Capacity for Research Requests: Due to the high volume of research requests, HPL will contact you only if there is interest in participating in your research. The estimated timeline for this is up to four weeks.
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No Guarantee of Future Approvals: Approval of a past research proposal does not guarantee future approvals or ongoing research collaborations. Each submission is assessed independently, based on current priorities and the availability of resources.
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Ethical Compliance: All research involving human participants must receive approval from a recognized Research Ethics Board (REB) before the data collection commences.
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Public Knowledge Sharing: Whenever possible, we encourage researchers to share their findings through public engagement activities at HPL, such as workshops or presentations. Accessible research summaries are required and researchers will be provided with a template.
Past Research Projects
HPL has collaborated on numerous research projects that enhance public library services, community engagement and knowledge-sharing. These projects demonstrate our commitment to cultivating meaningful partnerships and supporting research that benefits HPL and the community.
Recent Projects:
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Aging in Place with Public Libraries: This project examined how public libraries can help older adults maintain their independence and quality of life within their communities.
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Social Work in Libraries: This research explored the integration of social work services within the Library to better support the diverse needs of Members.
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Promoting Digital Literacy Through Public Libraries: This project focused on developing programs to improve digital literacy among community Members, ensuring equitable access to technology and information.
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Hamilton Street Railway (HSR) and Hamilton Public Library PRESTO Card Pilot Evaluation: This evaluation assessed the effectiveness of a pilot program integrating public transit access with Library services to enhance community mobility.
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Hamilton Public Library Food Security Project: This initiative addressed food insecurity by leveraging Library resources and community partnerships to provide accessible food options to vulnerable populations.
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Emotional Labour in Libraries: Stressors in the Library Work Field: This study explored the emotional challenges faced by Library Staff and aimed to develop strategies to improve well-being in the workplace.
