The accessible washroom in both the Waterdown library and the lobby of the Waterdown shared facility are out of order. We aim to get it fixed quickly.
Waterdown Branch Accessibile Washroom Out of Order
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Published:
Thursday, May 8, 2025 - 6:45pm
Sherwood Branch Closure: Wednesday, May 14
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.
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Published:
Thursday, May 8, 2025 - 12:00pm
Study Hall, Thursday, May 8
Due to City IT maintenance, there may be an intermittent network outage between 8-10 pm during Study Hall on Thursday, May 8. Computers, printers and WiFi may not be available at times. Thank you for your patience.
All Branches and Bookmobile Stops
Published:
Wednesday, May 7, 2025 - 4:00pm
All Branches Closed - Victoria Day
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.
All Branches and Bookmobile Stops
Published:
Thursday, May 1, 2025 - 9:30am
Central Library - Fire Drill
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.
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Published:
Wednesday, April 30, 2025 - 1:30pm
Turner Park Branch - Roof Repair
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.
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Published:
Monday, April 28, 2025 - 10:00am
Ancaster Branch - Temporary Closure, May 5-31
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.
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Published:
Wednesday, April 16, 2025 - 11:00am
Central Library - Microfilm Machine
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.
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Published:
Thursday, April 10, 2025 - 3:30pm
Phishing Scheme
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.
All Branches and Bookmobile Stops
Published:
Thursday, April 3, 2025 - 10:30am
Sherwood Branch - Basement Renovation
The first phase of renovations continues at the Sherwood Branch. During this time, noise disruptions may occur throughout the branch due to a basement renovation. Parking, access to the building, and collections will not be affected. Thank you for your patience. www.hpl.ca/sherwood
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Published:
Thursday, April 3, 2025 - 10:15am
Join an HPL Book Club or Create One
If you’re looking to discuss the last book you read and always on the lookout for the next great read, join a HPL Book Club, or create your own club.
HPL offers many Book Clubs that feature fiction, non-fiction, romance, and French Check out our virtual clubs hpl.ca or join an in-person book club at a branch.
If you are keen to create a club with fellow book lovers, HPL has more than 350 titles to choose from in the Book Club Kit collection. Each kit has 10-12 books of the same title, along with a discussion guide, author bio and reviews — all contained in a large bag.
To borrow a kit, you need a valid HPL library card. Then, browse the collection, place holds or pause the kit for pick up at a later date. Kits can also be renewed, if no other book club is waiting for it.
Join a book club by signing up online at hpl.ca, or place a hold on a Book Club Kit.
Have more questions? Read through the Book Club Kit FAQ below.
Book Club FAQ
What is a Book Club Kit?
A Book Club Kit contains 10-12 copies of one title. When possible, it includes 10 standard copies and two large print copies. The kit also contains discussion questions, reviews, a sign-out sheet and an author biography.
Who can borrow Book Club Kits?
Anyone with a valid HPL card. Need one? Head to any HPL branch to sign up for a card. Bring two pieces of identification: one with your photo and one with your current address.
Can I still use my Book Club Kit HPL card?
Yes. But new Book Club Kit cards are no longer created, as all Members can place holds on any items in the catalogue with their personal HPL card.
Can Book Club Kits be reserved in advance?
Yes. You can browse the kits from our library catalogue and titles can be paused for a later date. Titles cannot be reserved for a specific date. Branch staff can help you place holds on Kits. Contact HPL at 905-546-3200, email askus@hpl.ca or chat at hpl.ca.
How many Book Club Kits can I put on hold?
You can place holds on up to 50 Kits. Book Clubs are encouraged to use Pause Holds to manage their Kits. You can see where you are in the holds queue to determine when your Kit may become available.
Where can Book Club Kits be picked up?
Kits can be picked up at any of our 23 branches.
How long can book clubs keep a Kit?
They can be borrowed for six weeks. Kits can be renewed if there are no other clubs waiting for the title. No fines are charged so you can hold on to your kit a few days longer if needed.
Can Book Club Kits be renewed?
Yes. Book Club Kits can be renewed if there are no other clubs waiting for the title. No fines are charges if you need to hold on to the Kit a little longer.
How many kits does HPL have?
HPL has over 350 kits.
How are Book Club Kits selected?
HPL’s Collection librarians carefully choose titles for purchase. They take into consideration reviews and current events when purchasing Kits.
Can I suggest a Book Club Kit title for HPL’s collection?
Suggestions are accepted here, and are considered alongside new, high-demand and timely titles. Not all suggestions are selected for purchase.
What if I return a copy damaged or lose my Kit?
Fines are not charged. Please let HPL Staff know if a copy is damaged or lost.
