Online Resources and Guest WiFi Access - Sunday, October 12

Due to network maintenance, online resources and Guest Wi-Fi will not be available on Sunday, October 12, from 6 am to 5 pm. Thank you for your patience.

All Branches and Bookmobile Stops
Published:
Tuesday, October 7, 2025 - 2:30pm
Delayed Branch Openings 

The following locations have upcoming delayed openings due to Staff training drills. 

Monday, October 20 
Ancaster Branch, 10 am 

Tuesday, October 21 
Central Library, 10 am 
Sherwood Branch, 10 am 

You may visit nearby Branches for your library needs. www.hpl.ca/hours

All Branches and Bookmobile Stops
Published:
Tuesday, October 7, 2025 - 2:00pm
Bookmobile Service Modification

On Wednesday, October 8, the Helen Detwiler (320 Brigade Drive) visit has been changed to 11-11:30 am this week. Thank you for your understanding.

 

1
Affected Branch: Bookmobile
Nearest Branches: 
Bookmobile Stop: 
Published:
Tuesday, October 7, 2025 - 2:00pm
Branch Closures - Thanksgiving

All HPL Branches are closed on Thanksgiving Monday, October 13. Bookmobile is off the road. Extended Access and Study Hall services are not available. Regular service hours resume on Tuesday, October 14. Our Virtual Branch is open at hpl.ca.

All Branches and Bookmobile Stops
Published:
Monday, October 6, 2025 - 2:00pm
All Branches Closed for October 12

All branches close on Sunday, October 12, 2025 for Thanksgiving. This includes branches with Extended Access.

All Branches and Bookmobile Stops
Published:
Monday, October 6, 2025 - 2:00pm
Bookmobile Service Modification

Due to the ongoing Mohawk College Support Staff strike, the Bookmobile visit on Monday, October 6, is cancelled. You may select Terryberry Branch as an alternative location to pick up your Holds. On Wednesday, October 8, the Helen Detwiler visit is changed to 11-11:30 am this week. 

1
Affected Branch: Bookmobile
Nearest Branches: 
Published:
Friday, September 26, 2025 - 3:00pm
Interlibrary Loan Service on Pause

Interlibrary Loan (ILLO) service will be temporarily paused starting Friday, September 26, due to continued negotiations between CUPW and Canada Post. We apologize for the inconvenience.

All Branches and Bookmobile Stops
Published:
Friday, September 26, 2025 - 1:00pm
Replacement and Damage Fees

Bring back your borrowed library items (due Oct 1 or later) within 28 days to avoid a replacement or lost fee. We'll remove the fee when you bring back your overdue items. 

All Branches and Bookmobile Stops
Published:
Thursday, September 11, 2025 - 3:00pm
Kenilworth Branch - Temporary Closure (Sept 2 - Oct 14)

Due to roof repair maintenance, the Branch is temporarily closed from September 2 until October 14. Please visit the Red Hill, Parkdale, and Barton locations as your nearest branches for your library needs. Thank you for your patience.

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Published:
Monday, August 11, 2025 - 8:00am

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