Central Library - Living Room Renovation Preparation

Starting Tuesday, February 10, the First Floor Living Room will be unavailable due to renovation preparations. Study and work spaces are available on Floors 2-3. 

Please note the Noon Hour Concert on Friday, February 13, will be held at Terryberry Branch instead. 

Thank you for your patience.

Published:
Friday, February 6, 2026 - 9:00am
Central Library - Fourth Floor Closure

The Fourth Floor will be closed on Friday, February 6, starting at 2 pm for Seedy Saturday event setup. Makerspace and Newcomer Learning Centre will remain open. Floors 1-3 are available with study and work spaces. www.hpl.ca/central

Published:
Tuesday, February 3, 2026 - 3:00pm
Red Hill Branch Accessible Door Out of Order

The accessibility door at Red Hill Branch is not working. We aim to fix it quickly.

Published:
Tuesday, February 3, 2026 - 1:30pm
Bookmobile Service Modification

Please note the following Bookmobile visit updates.

Tuesday, February 10
McMaster University will be 3:30-4 pm (instead of 3:30-4:30 pm
Greencedar will be 5-5:30 pm (instead of 4-5 pm)
Mountview will be 6-6:30 pm (instead of 5:30-6:30 pm)

Published:
Monday, February 2, 2026 - 3:15pm
Mount Hope - Filming 

On Monday, February 9, Homestead Drive will be closed from 7:30am-1:30pm (local traffic only) due to filming. From 1:30-7:30pm, there will be intermittent traffic control by Hamilton Police. The Branch will remain open. Thank you for your patience.

Published:
Friday, January 30, 2026 - 1:45pm
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
Central Library - Sunday Hours Paused

Effective Sunday, February 1, Sunday service hours at Central Library will be paused. 

Sunday Hours will continue at Dundas, Red Hill, Terryberry, Turner Park, Valley Park and Waterdown Branches from 1-5pm.

www.hpl.ca/hours 

Published:
Wednesday, January 21, 2026 - 11:00am
Central Library - Daily Hours Update

Starting Monday, February 2, Central Library's daily hours will move back to a 9 am opening instead of 8 am, Monday through Saturday. Please make note of this new service change for your next visit. www.hpl.ca/hours 

Published:
Wednesday, January 21, 2026 - 11:00am
Printing Updates

Daily print balances for black and white and colour printing change January 2, 2026. The new daily print balance is 40 cents. Members receive four free black and white copies or two free colour copies. 

Large format and vinyl printing pricing also change on January 2. Visit https://www.hpl.ca/makerspaces for updates.

Published:
Monday, December 22, 2025 - 2:00pm
Replacement and Damage Fees

Bring back your borrowed library items within 28 days to avoid a replacement or lost fee. We'll remove the fee when you bring back your overdue items. 

Published:
Thursday, September 11, 2025 - 3:00pm
Home > FAQ - Volunteer page

FAQ - Volunteer page

What do I need to be a Hamilton Public Library volunteer?

  • The Hamilton Public Library offers a wide variety of volunteer opportunities and each position requires different qualifications. For further information please read the detailed descriptions for each of our positions.

What is the time commitment required to be a volunteer?

  • The volunteer programs at the Hamilton Public Library have varying time commitments. Programs such as Reading Buddies run only during the summer. Other programs require longer commitment times. The English Language Learning (ELL) Tutoring program requires a minimum commitment of six months.

How long does it take to be placed in a volunteer position?

  •  Placement times vary by the position. Some volunteer programs run only at certain times of the year (such as Teen Tech). Other programs such as the English Language Learning (ELL) Tutoring program take longer for placement since the volunteer and student need to be matched based on several factors including schedules, gender, approximate age and other factors.
  • Application forms are kept on file for six months; you will be contacted if there is a position available.

How old do I have to be to volunteer?

  • Youth volunteers must be 14 and older. Opportunities available for youth include Teen Tech and Summer Reading Buddies. Please note that volunteer applicants under 18 require a parent/guardian signature on the application form.
  • Adult volunteers must be 19 and older. ELL Tutoring positions are open to adults only.

Do I need a Police Check?

  • Volunteers ages 18 and older will need to provide Police Checks once they have been accepted as a volunteer. The position description will specify which type of Police Check is required.
  • Please do not apply and pay for a Police Check before being accepted as a volunteer.

Who can I use as a reference if I'm a teen?

  • Teens who are applying for youth volunteer positions can use a teacher, guidance counsellor, neighbour, family friend, a member of their place of worship, past or present employers (including someone you have babysat for) or other adults who can confirm that you are suitable for the position. Remember to include their phone number and to ask permission before using someone's name as a reference.

Where can I find more information?

  • The Volunteer Coordinator can be contacted at (905) 546-3200 x3620 or volunteer@hpl.ca