The Branch is open today, Friday, January 9. Our elevator by the parking lot entrance is out of order.
To use our second elevator, enter through the Mohawk Road entrance (which features a ramp) and use the elevator located in the middle of the building. The estimated time of disruption is unknown. Thank you for your understanding.
The following eResources have been recently discontinued in our HPL collections: Novelist, Summa, Summa Kids, and Northstar Digital Literacy. Please visit www.hpl.ca/articles/read-watch-listen for our full listing of online resources for your next read, watch, listen and/or learn.
The accessibility door at Waterdown Branch is not working. We aim to fix it quickly.
Daily print balances for black and white and colour printing change January 2, 2026. The new daily print balance is 40 cents. Members receive four free black and white copies or two free colour copies.
Large format and vinyl printing pricing also change on January 2. Visit https://www.hpl.ca/makerspaces for updates.
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.
Official Black History Month Launch
Friday January 30
1:30pm–4:00pm, Central Library
All are welcome to celebrate Hamilton’s official launch of Black History Month 2026 at Central Library. This special event features the annual unveiling of Hamilton’s Black History Month honourees, along with exhibits, cultural performances, speakers, community organizations and vendors. Light refreshments will be served.
Presented by the Hamilton Black History Council in partnership with Black-led community organizations, the City of Hamilton and Hamilton Public Library.
Registration is free at BHMlaunch2026.eventbrite.ca.
Live Music Throughout February
Enjoy live music at branches across the city as part of Black History Month. Performances take place at Central Library and neighbourhood branches, featuring a range of artists and styles.
Noon Hour Concerts at Central Library
Listen to live music every Friday at noon:
Live Music at Branches
Author Talk: Antonio Michael Downing
Thursday February 19, 2026
6:30pm–7:30pm, Central Library
Join award-winning writer and broadcaster Antonio Michael Downing for a live reading and conversation about his debut novel Black Cherokee. Downing will be joined by editor and writer Alicia Cox Thomson for a discussion followed by audience questions. Borrow the book from the HPL catalogue and be part of the conversation.
African Knowledge in Action with Michelle Bonsu
Saturday February 28
1:00pm–3:00pm, Central Library
Explore African knowledge systems in this interactive, conversation-based workshop with Michelle Bonsu. Learn about the differences between African and Western ways of knowing and how African wisdom can be applied to everyday life. Michelle Bonsu is a Ghanaian cultural worker and the creator of Asase Ba, an educational platform celebrating African stories and knowledge.
See our complete list of Black History Month Events.
Celebrate Black voices all year through HPL’s collections of books, music, movies and educational activities.
Books for Adults
Film
Each year, Hamilton Black History Council, in partnership with Black-led organizations and the City of Hamilton, recognizes Black Hamiltonians for their outstanding contributions. The 2026 honorees will be unveiled at the Official Black History Month Launch on Friday January 30. Learn more about past honorees their impact and upcoming events at the City of Hamilton’s Black History Month webpage.
