An Orange Air Quality Warning has been initiated for the City of Hamilton by Environment and Climate Change Canada and the Ontario Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks beginning July 15, 2026. This alert will remain in effect until a cancellation notice is issued.
Stay safe, Hamilton. www.hpl.ca/hours
Due to online maintenance, Members can not access HPL's catalogue, online services and resources on Sunday, July 19 from 5am-10am. Thank you in advance for your understanding.
The Medical Officer of Health for the City of Hamilton has initiated a Heat Warning beginning today, Monday, July 13. Heat Warnings stay in effect until they are cancelled or escalated to an Extended Heat Warning. All HPL Library locations are Cool Places. Stay hydrated, Hamilton. www.hpl.ca/hours
Due to poor air quality, the Bookmobile visit at the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum is cancelled today, Wednesday, July 15. The Rosedale visit is shortened to 5-5:30pm (instead of 5-6:30pm). Regular service is expected to return next week. Thank you for your understanding.
As of July 1st, partner library Members can no longer borrow HPL Express items via Overdrive. More to Borrow partner libraries will be offering Lucky Express (Skip the line) titles to their cardholders only. This will help manage wait times for popular titles. Lucky Express is a collection of in demand titles with a seven-day loan period, available with no wait.
Our partners will still be able to borrow titles from the rest of our collection.
www.hpl.ca/more-to-borrow
The What's Happening Guide has been retired and replaced with different communications channels and tactics. You can find the new Summer Reading Flyer here. Watch for future communications updates.
Sunday hours return to Central Library. Beginning July 5, Central is open Noon to 5pm. Dundas, Red Hill, Terryberry, Turner Park, Valley Park and Waterdown branches are also open Sundays, 1 to 5pm. hpl.ca/hours
After Hours Study Hall is not available in July and August. Hours will resume Tuesday, September 8. www.hpl.ca/study-halls
Make a splash this summer with Hamilton Public Library's Summer Reading Club.
Dive into a world of stories, creativity, discovery and fun. Chart your course through exciting books, earn prizes, attend free programs and explore new adventures all summer long. Whether you're riding the waves of a great story, creating something amazing, learning a new skill or meeting new friends, there's an ocean of fun waiting for you.
Register for Summer Reading Club
1. Register and Dive In
Sign up at any HPL Branch or Bookmobile stop beginning June 26 and get ready to make waves all summer long.
2. Grab Your Reading Tracker
Pick up a tracker at your local HPL Branch or download and print your own.
Download Reading Tracker
3. Chart Your Reading Course
Set your own reading goal, track your progress and complete activities throughout the summer. Visit the library, collect stickers and celebrate your achievements along the way.
Discover great stories and bring them to life through reading, writing and storytelling activities.
Experience exciting performances, fascinating visitors, and unforgettable events.
Featured Summer Opportunities
Code Club
Ready to learn something new this summer? Code Club introduces children to coding concepts through engaging activities and projects designed to make technology fun and accessible.
Learn More
Reading Buddies
Build confidence and strengthen reading skills with a friendly Reading Buddy. Children ages 6–12 can enjoy reading support through games, conversation, and playful learning with teen volunteers.
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Teen Programs
Arts, games, life skills and community programs that help teens connect, create, learn and explore new interests.
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French Language Programming
Stories, activities and creative experiences that help children and families explore and enjoy French language and culture.
Learn More
Plan your summer adventure with a guide to featured events, activities, reading challenges, and important dates.
Kids Activities
Stories, games, videos and hands-on activities that inspire reading, learning and creativity for children and families.
Learn More
Teens Activities
Creative activities, learning resources and entertainment that help teens explore new interests, build skills and succeed at school.
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Power of the Pen
Young writers and poets are invited to share their creativity through Hamilton Public Library's annual writing competition.
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Focus Forward Teen Photography Contest
Capture your summer adventures and showcase your creativity in HPL's Focus Forward Teen Photography Contest.
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Visit the Bookmobile
Bring Summer Reading Club with you and discover books, programs, and fun across Hamilton.
Learn More
