The following Bookmobile visits are cancelled this month. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Wednesday, May 14: Swansea and Helen Detwiler
Thursday, May 15: Rockton and Meadowlands
Mohawk Gardens, 2-2:30 pm instead
Bennetto, 4:30-5:30 pm instead
Friday, May 16: Huntington Park
Friday, May 30: Huntington Park, Winona, and Maplewood
In preparation for the 1st Floor renovations, the Sherwood Branch will be closed on Wednesday, May 14. It is expected to reopen on Thursday, May 15 with the completion of the basement renovation. Thank you for your understanding.
All HPL Branches are closed on Sunday, May 18, and Victoria Day, Monday, May 19. Bookmobile is off the road. Extended Access and Study Hall services are not available. Our Virtual Branch is open at hpl.ca.
On Tuesday, May 13, a fire drill will be held at 11 am at Central Library. You may visit the Barton or Locke Branches as alternate locations for your library needs. Thank you for your understanding.
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.
From Monday, May 5 to Saturday, May 31, the Ancaster Branch will be temporarily closed due to a roof and HVAC replacement. During this time, service hours will be available at the Ancaster Rotary Centre, 385 Jerseyville Road West, Ancaster. The last day to pick up your Holds is Thursday, May 1st. Thank you for your understanding.
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 31st Power of the Pen writing competition invites writers ages 12-18 (age as of December 31, 2025) 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:
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 5, 2025, and closes September 30, 2025. Submit your work via the official entry form. Notification goes out to winners in January 2026.
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.
