Bookmobile Stops Cancelled

Due to poor air quality, Bookmobile has the following cancellations for Friday, July 17:

  • Winona (11am-12pm)

  • Queen Victoria (3-4pm)

 Regular service is expected to return next week. Thank you for your understanding.

Published:
Thursday, July 16, 2026 - 8:00am
Air Quality Warning

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

Published:
Wednesday, July 15, 2026 - 2:00pm
HPL Catalogue and Online Resources Not Available - Sunday, July 19

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.

Published:
Monday, July 13, 2026 - 3:00pm
Express Items via OverDrive - Partner Libraries Update

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

Published:
Monday, July 6, 2026 - 10:00am
What's Happening Guide Changes

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.

Published:
Monday, June 29, 2026 - 3:00pm
Sunday Hours Return to Central Library

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

Published:
Monday, June 29, 2026 - 1:00pm
Study Halls Pause for Summer Break

After Hours Study Hall is not available in July and August. Hours will resume Tuesday, September 8. www.hpl.ca/study-halls

Published:
Tuesday, June 23, 2026 - 3:00pm
Home > Using the Library > Working With Us

Working With Us

HPL partnership continuum. 1, extend and enhance HPL services and program goals in sustainable ways. 2, support the city and broad based initiatives that advance our economic, social and cultural richness. 3, Enhance coordination and reduce overlap.This is a summary of the full Working With Us Policy.

HPL works with organizations that align with our core organizational values (Intellectual Freedom, Inclusiveness, Innovation, Respect and Accountability) and/or share common goals or objectives with HPL. 

There are three (3) core reasons we engage in partnerships:

  1. Extend and enhance HPL services and program goals in sustainable ways.
  2. Support the city and broad-based initiatives that advance our economic, social and cultural richness.
  3. Enhance coordination and reduce overlap in effort between agencies.

Priority is given to organizations and initiatives that meet multiple partnership criteria:

  • Align with HPL’s core organizational values (Intellectual Freedom, Inclusiveness, Innovation, Respect and Accountability) and/or shares common goals or objectives.
  • Committed to mutual benefit and a reciprocal approach to levels of commitment.
  • Demonstrated commitment to collaboration and shared planning.
  • Demonstrated commitment to ongoing evaluation and continuous improvement.
  • Demonstrated commitment to collective impact and long-term strategies.
  • In some cases, partners that can provide an activity or service at multiple locations.

Priorities of Library Space Use

HPL partnership priorities. 1, Library managed or co-planned activities. 2, Free community learning programs. 3, HPL partners and City Counsillors free allocations*. 4, Paid room rentals

  1. Library managed or co-managed programs
    - Co-managed programs are developed in advance; HPL and the partner organization collaborate on program planning and evaluation.
  2. Free community learning programs from aligned partners
  3. HPL partners and City Councillors' free allocations 
  4. Paid room and space rentals

Some examples of acceptable use of Library spaces including: partner-led learning programs with Library partnership, partner-led speaking programs with Library input, local committee meetings and group test proctoring. 

HPL restricts illegal activity, discrimination, sales promotion, private social gatherings, religion-based activities, fundraising events and gambling in Library spaces.

Stop sign graphic with examples of activities not allowed at the branch

 

Programs

HPL programs support learning, skill development, and creativity. They are free, inclusive, informational and maintain a respectful tone. Presentations are planned in alignment with system goals and objectives.

Read more about our program objectives. HPL prefers co-planned programs which challenge thinking and cover gaps in community needs. Topics include:

  • Literacy for all
  • Life-long learning journeys
  • Digital inclusion
  • Workforce development
  • Community cohesion
  • Empowers people to improve
  • Access to arts, music and culture
  • Civic engagement
  • Information to community services
  • Creative aging
  • Inter-generational experiences

Next Steps

For partnerships and use of library spaces, contact us.

For programming suggestions, complete the Program Application Form.