The Jackson Square entrance doors have experienced an operational malfunction today, Monday, March 2. The doors are currently left partially open, allowing mobility aids to enter and exit. The estimated time of disruption is unknown at this time. Thank you for your patience.
Central Library - Jackson Square Lobby Entrance
Published:
Monday, March 2, 2026 - 1:00pm
Barton Branch Washrooms Out of Order
All public washrooms at Barton Branch are not working. We aim to get it fixed quickly.
Published:
Saturday, February 28, 2026 - 4:00pm
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
Carlisle Branch - Exterior Filming
Filming will take place Mar 3-4, 7am to 11pm, at 1464 Centre Rd. This may impact traffic flow in the surrounding area.
Published:
Friday, February 20, 2026 - 2:15pm
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
Bookmobile Service Modification
Please note the following Bookmobile visit updates.
Wednesday, March 4
St. Elizabeth Village: 1:15-1:45pm - Cancelled
Gemini: 2-2:30pm - Cancelled
Rosedale: 5-6:30pm - Cancelled
Friday, March 6
Winona: 11am-Noon - Cancelled
Queen Victora: 3-4pm - Cancelled
Published:
Monday, February 2, 2026 - 3:15pm
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.
Published:
Wednesday, January 21, 2026 - 11:00am
Black History Month
This February, celebrate Black History Month at Hamilton Public Library and explore the histories, contributions and achievements of Black communities in Hamilton and across Canada. Join us for free events featuring live music, author talks, workshops and community celebrations that highlight Black creativity, culture and knowledge.
Events
Live Music Throughout February
Enjoy live music at branches across the city as part of Black History Month. Performances take place at Central Library and neighbourhood branches, featuring a range of artists and styles.
Noon Hour Concerts at Central Library
Listen to live music every Friday at noon:
- February 6 – Sabian Crosswell Trio (bass, drums, piano)
- February 20 – Jackie Washington Day tribute concert with Harrison Kennedy and Jesse O’Brien
- February 27 – Big John and The Nite Trippers
Live Music at Branches
- February 9 – BLK ORCHID, multi-instrumentalist (Saltfleet Branch)
- February 13 – Dionne R. Grant piano, voice (Terryberry Branch)
- February 14 – Terry Rhodes, voice (Waterdown Branch)
- February 25 – Dionne R. Grant, keyboard, voice (Valley Park Branch)
- February 27 – Michaela Mathurin, voice (Concession Branch)
Author Talk: Antonio Michael Downing
Thursday February 19, 2026
6:30pm–7:30pm, Central Library
Join award-winning writer and broadcaster Antonio Michael Downing for a live reading and conversation about his debut novel Black Cherokee. Downing will be joined by editor and writer Alicia Cox Thomson for a discussion followed by audience questions. Borrow the book from the HPL catalogue and be part of the conversation.
African Knowledge in Action with Michelle Bonsu
Saturday February 28
1:00pm–3:00pm, Central Library
Explore African knowledge systems in this interactive, conversation-based workshop with Michelle Bonsu. Learn about the differences between African and Western ways of knowing and how African wisdom can be applied to everyday life. Michelle Bonsu is a Ghanaian cultural worker and the creator of Asase Ba, an educational platform celebrating African stories and knowledge.
See our complete list of Black History Month Events.
Books and Media
Celebrate Black voices all year through HPL’s collections of books, music, movies and educational activities.
Books for Adults
Film
We Are Hamilton – Black History Remembered
The 2026 honorees are Ona Allen (1925-2025), Hamilton's first Black nurse, who worked for nearly four decades at Hamilton General Hospital. Dr. Anthony MacFarlane (1937-2025) was a physician, scholar and champion of Caribbean history. Learn more about the 19 past honorees' impacts on the City of Hamilton’s Black History Month webpage. The Hamilton Black History Council, in partnership with Black-led organizations and the City of Hamilton, recognize Black Hamiltonians for their outstanding contributions.
