Printing Unavailable at Ancaster Branch

Printing is not working at Ancaster Branch. We aim to fix it as soon as possible.

Published:
Thursday, April 30, 2026 - 5:30pm
Sherwood Branch Accessible Washroom Out of Order

The accessible washroom at Sherwood Branch is not working. We aim to get it fixed quickly.

Published:
Thursday, April 30, 2026 - 3:45pm
Central Library: Non-Partner Survey

Starting Monday, April 27 until May 4, non-partner community organizations are encouraged to participate in a short survey. HPL would like to learn how the Library Card Access Pilot Project and the toxic drug crisis in general affect non-partner organizations. Please note that the survey is not anonymous. Start now at www.hpl.ca/non-partner-survey.

Published:
Monday, April 27, 2026 - 9:30am
Software Maintenance - Victoria Day, Monday, May 18

Due to software maintenance, HPL library's catalogue, online services and library accounts will not be available between 9am and 7pm on Monday, May 18. Thank you for your patience.

Published:
Friday, April 24, 2026 - 9:00am
Central Library - Fire Drill, Tuesday, May 5, 11am

Due to Staff training, Central Library will close from 11am to Noon on Tuesday, May 5. You may visit Locke and Barton Branches as the next nearest locations for your library needs. Thank you for your patience.

Published:
Thursday, April 23, 2026 - 9:00am
Concession Branch - Renovations Underway

Renovations are expected to be completed by May 7. Construction repairs and noise may impact your next visit. Thank you for your understanding.

Published:
Monday, April 13, 2026 - 1:15pm
Mount Hope Branch - Delayed Opening, Monday, May 4

Due to Staff training, Mount Hope Branch will have a delayed opening of 2 pm on Monday, May 4. You may visit Turner Park Branch as the next nearest location for your library needs. Thank you for your patience.

Published:
Friday, March 27, 2026 - 8:00am
Central Library: Children's Area Renovation on 2nd Floor

Renovations are currently underway for the 2nd floor Central Children's Area. Programs are still being offered as scheduled and there is a temporary pop-up Children’s Area on the northeast side of the 2nd floor (near the Piano Room), including access to collections and train tables. Construction is expected to be completed by late Spring. Thank you for your patience during this time.

Published:
Monday, March 23, 2026 - 9:00am
Sherwood Branch: Renovations

As of Monday, March 2, Sherwood Branch's 2nd floor is closed due to renovations. Makerspace, Children and Teen's collection are temporarily available on the 1st floor. All programs will be held in the basement program room. Renovations are expected to be completed in late Spring. Thank you for your patience.

Published:
Tuesday, February 10, 2026 - 1:00pm
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.