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.
Central Library - New Library Card Check-in Process
Published:
Friday, March 13, 2026 - 5:45pm
Central Library - Fourth Floor Closure, March 18
The 4th Floor will be closed on Wednesday, March 18, 11:30 am-2:30 pm for a Magic Show. Makerspace and Newcomer Learning Centre will remain open. Study and work spaces, including Study Pods, are available on Floors 2-3. Thank you for your patience.
Published:
Thursday, March 12, 2026 - 8:00am
Central Library - Fourth Floor Closure, March 21
The 4th Floor will be closed on Saturday, March 21, 9 am-4 pm, for a March Break event, SciFUN Day. Makerspace and Newcomer Learning Centre will remain open. Study and work spaces, including Study Pods, are available on Floors 2-3. Thank you for your patience.
Published:
Thursday, March 12, 2026 - 8:00am
Concession Branch Children's Area Reduced Service
A Children's area activity table, including the children's computers at Concession Branch are unavailable due to a facility issue. We aim to fix them as soon as possible.
Published:
Monday, March 9, 2026 - 11:30am
Bookmobile Service Modifications
With the recent closure of Six Nations Public Library, HPL's Bookmobile will change its bi-weekly visits to weekly starting Friday, March 13.
Starting Tuesday, March 17, Court at Rushdale moves to bi-weekly on Tuesdays (10:30am-11am), instead of Fridays.
Published:
Friday, March 6, 2026 - 1:45pm
HPL Telephone Main Line Roll Back
HPL's original phone number is back in service. Please call 905-546-3200. The 289-779-7588 number, created due to the 2024 cybersecurity incident, is also working.
Published:
Friday, March 6, 2026 - 9:15am
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
Central Library - Living Room Renovation Preparation
Starting Tuesday February 10, the First Floor Living Room is closed due to renovation preparations. Study and work spaces are available on Floors 2-4. Thank you for your patience.
Published:
Friday, February 6, 2026 - 9:00am
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
Library Card Access Pilot
Library Card Access Pilot
Hamilton Public Library’s Central Library welcomes thousands of people daily, including children, families, students, newcomers, job seekers and seniors who depend on the Library for learning, community and support.
Throughout winter, the Library saw a rise in disruptive behaviour and illegal drug use, which undermined its ability to provide a safe, welcoming space for all visitors.
To address these challenges while ensuring vital services, Hamilton Public Library is launching a pilot requiring a library card to access the floors at Central Library.
Pilot Details
Dates: March 16 for up to two months
Adults (18+) must show a library card to access Central Library floors during the pilot. Children and teens are exempt.
Why Are We Doing This Pilot?
This pilot aims to lower incidents at Central Library so families, students, seniors, job seekers and other visitors can use the space safely.
Our Commitment to Access
Hamilton Public Library is committed to serving everyone in our community. Staff will assist visitors in obtaining a card and connecting with services, including support for individuals without a permanent address.
At the same time, the Library aims to provide a safe environment where families, students, seniors, staff and visitors can use the spaces comfortably.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Library card to enter Central Library?
During the pilot, adults (18+) must show a valid Hamilton Public Library card to enter Central Library. Children and teens are not required to show a card.
What if I don’t have a Library card?
Library staff can help visitors register for a card quickly. Cards are free for Hamilton residents.
What if I don’t have an address or identification?
Staff can assist individuals who may not have a fixed address.
Can I still attend programs or pick up holds?
Yes. Library services, programs and collections will continue to operate as usual.
How long is the pilot?
The pilot runs from March 16 for up to two months.
