Please note that the audio volume levels on our public computers are having issues. The estimated time of disruption is unknown at this time. Thank you for your patience.
Please note that the audio volume levels on our public computers are having issues. The estimated time of disruption is unknown at this time. Thank you for your patience.
As the 1st floor renovation wraps up, the Sherwood Branch will be closed on Thursday, June 5, to reset the spaces. Service hours will resume on Friday, June 6. Thank you for your patience.
Concession Branch's children's department will be closed on the morning of Monday, June 2nd for minor repairs. We apologize for the inconvenience.
The accessibility ramp at Mount Hope Branch is damaged. The handrail is not available. The ramp will not be available while being repaired. We aim to fix it quickly.
All HPL Branches are closed on Friday May 30 for Staff Development. Bookmobile is off the road and Extended Access is not available. HPL's online card registration, catalogue and eResources are not available until 5pm due to scheduled maintenance. All branches reopen Saturday May 31.
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.
Until Saturday May 31, the Ancaster Branch is temporarily relocated to the Ancaster Rotary Centre, 385 Jerseyville Road West, Ancaster. The Wilson Street branch is closed for a roof and HVAC replacement and is expected to reopen on Monday June 2 at 9am.
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.
289-779-7588 *HPL Main Line
*Between 8-9am, only the Library’s First Floor is open.
The first Hamilton Public Library building opened on September 16, 1890 by the Earl and Countess of Aberdeen on the north side of Main Street West. In 1913, a new main library opened. This building was replaced in 1980 by Central Library, at the current location on York Boulevard.
In 2010, Central Library re-opened after approximately 18 months of renovations. Central Library opened with a newly revitalized first floor, which includes a Community Living Room that takes advantage of natural light. The Ontario Library Association honoured Central in 2012 with an Architectural and Design Transformation award.
The Central Library also has a Seed Library provided in partnership with Green Venture. Visit the Central Library to select seeds, find information about gardening and HPL programs, and harvest seeds to replenish the Seed Library.
Central Library offers materials and programming for children, teens and adults. The Library also has dedicated spaces and program rooms for children, teens and adults.
Visit the Newcomer Learning Centre on the 4th Floor for English language learning resources, programs and services.
The Local History & Archives (LH&A) Department has been collecting and preserving Hamilton's history since 1914. LHA is located on the 3rd Floor.
Central Library is located at 55 York Blvd, Hamilton, ON L8R 3K1.
Exit at York Boulevard.
Follow York Boulevard past Bay Street and FirstOntario Centre.
Library is on the right-hand side.
Exit at York Boulevard.
Follow York Boulevard past Bay Street and FirstOntario Centre.
Library is on the right-hand side.
Exit at Main Street East.
Follow Main Street to Bay Street.
Turn left onto Bay Street.
Follow Bay Street to York Boulevard and turn right past FirstOntario Centre
Library is on the right-hand side.
Public parking lots are located in the immediate vicinity.