Due to filming in the area, there will be production vehicles and various pieces of film equipment located on:
East side of Bay Street between King Street West and York Blvd.
South side King Street East between McNab and Bay Streets
Central Library - Filming Nearby April 12-15
Published:
Friday, April 10, 2026 - 8:30am
Carlisle Branch Accessible Door Out of Order
The accessibility door at Carlisle Branch is not working. We aim to fix it quickly.
Published:
Thursday, April 9, 2026 - 2:15pm
Turner Park Branch - Study Hall Cancelled, Thursday, April 16
Due to exterior pavement construction, the Study Hall (8pm-Midnight) on Thursday, April 16 is cancelled. Study Hall service resumes on Monday, April 20.
The back parking lot will not be accessible from 10 pm on April 16 to 10 pm on Friday, April 17. Thank you for your understanding.
Published:
Wednesday, April 8, 2026 - 2:30pm
Concession Branch - Renovations, April 7-10
Please note that there is higher than usual noise levels and odors due to renovations taking place this week. Thank you in advance for your patience.
Published:
Tuesday, April 7, 2026 - 2:30am
Terryberry Branch Accessible Washroom Out of Order
The accessible washroom on the 1st floor at Terryberry Branch is not working. We aim to get it fixed quickly.
Published:
Saturday, April 4, 2026 - 12:00pm
Mount Hope Branch - Delayed Opening, Monday, May 4
Due to Staff training, Mount Hope Branch will have a delayed opening of 2 pm on Monday, May 4. You may visit Turner Park Branch as the next nearest location for your library needs. Thank you for your patience.
Published:
Friday, March 27, 2026 - 8:00am
Central Library: SAD Therapy Lamp Out of Order
The Seasonal Affective Disorder therapy lamp on the 2nd floor at Central Library is out of order. The estimated time of disruption is unknown at this time. For more locations, please visit Light Therapy Lamps | HPL.
Published:
Monday, March 23, 2026 - 10:00am
Central Library: Children's Area Renovation on 2nd Floor, March 30-April 27
Starting March 30, renovations for the 2nd floor Central Children's Area will begin. Programs will still be offered as scheduled and there will be 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. Thank you for your patience during this time.
Published:
Monday, March 23, 2026 - 9:00am
Bookmobile Service Modifications
Due to driver availability, Bookmobile is off the road for the following. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Wednesday, April 15
- Swansea 10:00-10:30 am - Cancelled
- Helen Detwiler 11am-Noon - Cancelled
- Warplane Museum 3-4 pm - Cancelled
Thursday, April 16
- Rockton 10:30-11:30 am - Cancelled
- Mohawk Gardens 2:30-3 pm - Cancelled
- Meadowlands 3:30-4 pm - Cancelled
Tuesday, April 21
- Greencedar 5:30pm-6:30pm (instead of 4-5pm)
- Mountview 5:30-6:30 pm - Cancelled
Friday, April 24
- Winona 11 am-Noon - Cancelled
- Maplewood 2:30-4 pm - Cancelled
Tuesday, April 28
- McMaster 3:30-4:30 pm - Cancelled
Wednesday, April 29
- Swansea 10-10:30 am - Cancelled
- Helen Detwiler 11 am-Noon - Cancelled
- Warplane Museum 3-4 pm - Cancelled
Published:
Monday, March 16, 2026 - 10:15am
Central Library - New Library Card Check-in Process
Starting Monday, March 16, adults 18+ are required to show their Library card to access Central Library. This is a temporary measure to ensure safety for all. Thank you for your patience in advance.
Published:
Friday, March 13, 2026 - 5:45pm
Valley Park Community Centre Closure
From March 23 until April 12, Valley Park Community Centre will be closed for renovations, reopening April 13. Pool and changerooms will remain closed until early summer 2026.
Valley Park Branch will remain open during the renovations for your library needs.
Published:
Friday, February 27, 2026 - 11:00am
Concession Branch: Renovations
As of Monday, March 2, Concession Branch's Living Room and Makerspace areas are closed. (The next nearest Makerspaces are Sherwood and Terryberry Branches.) Seating may be limited at times. Renovations are expected to be completed in late Spring. Thank you for your patience.
Published:
Tuesday, February 10, 2026 - 1:00pm
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
Carlisle Branch Accessible Washroom Out of Order
The accessible washroom at Carlisle Branch is not working. We aim to get it fixed quickly.
Published:
Tuesday, January 27, 2026 - 12:30pm
Fright Fest
Uncover the eerie, explore the uncanny, and celebrate all things spooky this fall at Hamilton Public Library. From Gothic art and haunted history to horror writing, tarot, crafts and classic films, HPL is your destination for spine-tingling stories and hair-raising happenings.
Explore the full schedule.
Dare to join us. If you’re brave enough.
Books and Writing
Horror Writing Workshops
Various Dates and Locations
Sharpen your storytelling in horror-themed writing sessions with local authors, including a special event with HPL’s 2024-25 Writer-in-Residence, Anna Chatterton.
Register
Horror Panel with Emily Kellogg, Andrew F. Sullivan, Ai Jiang, and Emily A. Weedon
Thursday, October 2: 6:30pm – 7:30pm
Central Library
Emily Kellogg leads a panel conversation with authors Andrew F. Sullivan, Ai Jiang, and Emily A. Weedon.
Register
Hamilton Screams Online Book Club – The Troop by Nick Cutter
Tuesday, October 28: 6:00pm – 7:00pm
Virtual Branch – Online
Read and discuss our 2025 Hamilton Screams title with author Nick Cutter, Team HPL and fellow book lovers.
Register
Spooky Storytelling and Tours
Ghost Walks
Dundas Branch and Central Library
Unearth Hamilton’s haunted past with tales of spirits and supernatural sightings in our city’s oldest buildings and neighbourhoods.
Register
Mysticism and Magic
Tarot Readings for All
Various Dates and Locations
Whether you're a curious teen or an intrigued adult, learn the basics of tarot or explore deeper techniques to unlock the wisdom of the cards.
Register Now
Festival Highlights
Rocky Horror 50th Anniversary Extravaganza
Thursday, October 30: 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Central Library
Let’s do the time warp again! Celebrate five decades of The Rocky Horror Picture Show with a special screening and themed activities.
Register
Escape the Haunted Library
Thursday, October 30: 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Turner Park Branch
A teen escape room experience. Do you have what it takes to make it out in time?
Register
Haunted Escape Room
Thursday, October 30: 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Saltfleet
Follow the clues to rescue your favourite character from the Haunted Library.
Register
Arts and Creativity
Explore Art at HPL
Various Dates and Locations
This fall, art takes a darker turn. Join us to delve into:
• Gothic Art
• Myth, Monster, and Familiar
• Surreal and Dreamlike Horror
• Silhouette and Shadow Art
Get spooky with hands-on Halloween crafts. From book art and yarn pumpkins to eerie lanterns and book page vases, these sessions offer a creative outlet with a creepy twist.
Learn More
Frightening Films
Various Dates and Locations
Get into the Halloween spirit with free screenings of spooky favourites like Coraline, ParaNorman, What We Do in the Shadows, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, Haunted Mansion and more.
Learn More
