The public computers and printing are not available at all branches today starting at 1pm due to emergency maintenance. The work is expected to take two hours.
All Branches Public Computers and Printing Service Disruption
Published:
Friday, July 17, 2026 - 9:45am
Bookmobile Stops Cancelled
Due to poor air quality, Bookmobile has the following cancellations for Friday, July 17:
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Winona (11am-12pm)
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Queen Victoria (3-4pm)
Regular service is expected to return next week. Thank you for your understanding.
Published:
Thursday, July 16, 2026 - 8:00am
Air Quality Warning
An Orange Air Quality Warning has been initiated for the City of Hamilton by Environment and Climate Change Canada and the Ontario Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks beginning July 15, 2026. This alert will remain in effect until a cancellation notice is issued.
Stay safe, Hamilton. www.hpl.ca/hours
Published:
Wednesday, July 15, 2026 - 2:00pm
HPL Catalogue and Online Resources Not Available - Sunday, July 19
Due to online maintenance, Members can not access HPL's catalogue, online services and resources on Sunday, July 19 from 5am-10am. Thank you in advance for your understanding.
Published:
Monday, July 13, 2026 - 3:00pm
Express Items via OverDrive - Partner Libraries Update
As of July 1st, partner library Members can no longer borrow HPL Express items via Overdrive. More to Borrow partner libraries will be offering Lucky Express (Skip the line) titles to their cardholders only. This will help manage wait times for popular titles. Lucky Express is a collection of in demand titles with a seven-day loan period, available with no wait.
Our partners will still be able to borrow titles from the rest of our collection.
www.hpl.ca/more-to-borrow
Published:
Monday, July 6, 2026 - 10:00am
What's Happening Guide Changes
The What's Happening Guide has been retired and replaced with different communications channels and tactics. You can find the new Summer Reading Flyer here. Watch for future communications updates.
Published:
Monday, June 29, 2026 - 3:00pm
Sunday Hours Return to Central Library
Sunday hours return to Central Library. Beginning July 5, Central is open Noon to 5pm. Dundas, Red Hill, Terryberry, Turner Park, Valley Park and Waterdown branches are also open Sundays, 1 to 5pm. hpl.ca/hours
Published:
Monday, June 29, 2026 - 1:00pm
Study Halls Pause for Summer Break
After Hours Study Hall is not available in July and August. Hours will resume Tuesday, September 8. www.hpl.ca/study-halls
Published:
Tuesday, June 23, 2026 - 3:00pm
Power of the Pen Creative Writing Contest
The 32nd Power of the Pen writing competition invites writers ages 12-18 (age as of December 31, 2026) to submit original poetry and short stories in English, French or both languages. Prizes are for 1st- and 2nd-place in seven age groups (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 and 18) in poetry and short story categories. Digital submissions are encouraged.
Categories:
Participants can enter poems and short stories in English and French:
- English - Please submit one poem, short story or both per person in the English category.
- French - Please submit one poem, short story or both in the French category.
Prizes:
A published writer, teacher or reviewer judges entries in each category for originality, style, general presentation, spelling and grammar. There are 1st and 2nd-place winners in the seven age categories (12-18) for poetry and short stories in English and French.
First and second-place entries qualify for the Hamilton Association for the Advancement of Literature, Science and Art Maitland Banting Silver Quill and Young Poet awards. The winner in each category receives $250.
*French entries are not included in the HAALSA prize selection.
First-prize winners in each age category receive $100 and 2nd prize winners receive $25. All award winners receive a certificate and a copy of the Power of the Pen publication.
How to Enter:
This year's competition opens May 4, 2026 and closes September 30, 2026. Submit your work via the official entry form. Notification goes out to winners in January 2027.
For more information, please email mnichols@hpl.ca.
Note to Teachers:
If you are submitting a short story or poem on behalf of a student, please ensure a completed official entry form accompanies each written submission.
