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.
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.
As the 1st floor renovation wraps up, the Sherwood Branch will be closed on Thursday, June 5, to reset the spaces. Service hours will resume on Friday, June 6. Thank you for your patience.
Concession Branch's children's department will be closed on the morning of Monday, June 2nd for minor repairs. We apologize for the inconvenience.
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.
All HPL Branches are closed on Friday May 30 for Staff Development. Bookmobile is off the road and Extended Access is not available. HPL's online card registration, catalogue and eResources are not available until 5pm due to scheduled maintenance. All branches reopen Saturday May 31.
Due to the ongoing roof repair project, noise and parking disruptions are expected to continue until the end of June. Thank you for your patience.
Until Saturday May 31, the Ancaster Branch is temporarily relocated to the Ancaster Rotary Centre, 385 Jerseyville Road West, Ancaster. The Wilson Street branch is closed for a roof and HVAC replacement and is expected to reopen on Monday June 2 at 9am.
The digital microfilm machines at Central Library are not working. A single analog machine is available, but it doesn't print. We aim to have the digital devices repaired as soon as possible. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Please be aware of online phishing attempts impersonating Hamilton Public Library and Library Staff. HPL does not solicit paid freelance opportunities through social media or other messaging applications. HPL does not request personal or banking information through social media or require financial compensation when reviewing job applications. Please report phishing schemes to communications@hpl.ca. If you think you are a victim of fraud, please call the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501.
The 30th Annual Power of the Pen is Hamilton Public Library's long-standing competition for teens. Teens ages 12-18 from Hamilton and surrounding areas can submit poems and short stories (in English, French or both) to receive feedback from writing professionals. First and second-place entries qualify for the Hamilton Association for the Advancement of Literature, Science and Art's (HAALSA) Maitland Banting Silver Quill Award or Poetry Award.
As adults, past winners have used their writing skills to inform, inspire, entertain and persuade in careers as journalists, authors, artists, lawyers, politicians and teachers.
This year, we have the following Volunteer Judge opportunities available:
Poetry and Short Story categories for ages 12-15: local English teachers and Children and Young Adult authors Canada-wide.
Poetry and Short Story categories for ages 16-18: Children and Young Adult authors Canada-wide and local English teachers.
French Poetry and Short Story categories for ages 12-18: Francophone writers and educators Canada-wide.
Volunteer Judges can expect to receive an electronic package of entries in November 2024 and have six weeks to review, provide brief feedback, choose a 1st- and 2nd- place winner and any (optional) Honourable Mentions.
In recruiting for this Volunteer team, HPL welcomes the unique contributions one brings in: education, opinions, culture, ethnicity, race, sex, gender identity and expression, nation of origin, age, languages spoken, veteran's status, colour, religion, disability, sexual orientation and beliefs. Hamilton Public Library is an equal opportunity employer and strives to build balanced teams.
Learn more information about the annual writing competition:
https://teens.hpl.ca/articles/power-pen-creative-writing-contest
If you have any questions or are interested in a Volunteer Judge role or providing feedback, support, and encouragement to teen writers, please email mnichols@hpl.ca.