Preview the New HPL.ca

We're excited to share a preview of the new HPL.ca before its official launch on September 15.

Explore the new site, discover updated navigation and get familiar with the improved online experience designed to make it easier to find Library services, programs, collections and information.

If you encounter an issue or have feedback, please let us know through our Contact Us page.

Published:
Tuesday, September 1, 2026 - 3:00pm
Heat Warning Notification for the City of Hamilton

Heat Warning for the City of Hamilton.

Significant heat and humidity will arrive on Tuesday, September 1.

For information about heat-related illnesses, cool place locations and reducing your risk, visit hamilton.ca/heat.

Published:
Tuesday, September 1, 2026 - 2:45pm
Ancaster Branch Elevator Out of Order

The elevator at Ancaster Branch is not working. We're working to get it fixed quickly.

Published:
Tuesday, September 1, 2026 - 12:00pm
Concession Branch - Construction Updates

Due to a glass door installation for the new Makerspace area, Concession Branch will close at 1 pm on Thursday, September 3. It is expected to reopen to its regular hours with limited services on Friday, September 4. Stay tuned for continual updates.

www.hpl.ca/concession

Published:
Tuesday, September 1, 2026 - 8:00am
Labour Day - All HPL Branches Closed

All HPL Branches are closed on Sunday, September 6 and Labour Day, Monday, September 7. Bookmobile is off the road. Extended Access is not available. Regular service hours resume on Tuesday, September 8. 

Published:
Monday, August 31, 2026 - 2:45pm
Barton Branch - Construction in Area

Please note that Milton Avenue at Barton Street is under construction. Access to the parking lot is limited. Nearby street parking is available and an HSR route out front. Thank you for your patience.

Published:
Monday, August 31, 2026 - 2:30pm
Print on the Go Currently Unavailable

The Print on the Go service is not working at all Branches. We aim to fix it as soon as possible.

Published:
Thursday, August 27, 2026 - 12:30pm
Delayed Openings and Closures

Due to Staff training, the following service modifications are planned.

  • Turner Park: Wednesday, September 2, Noon-1 pm Closure
  • Red Hill: Friday, September 18, Delayed Opening of 10 am
  • Central Library: Tuesday, September 29, Delayed Opening of 10 am

Visit www.hpl.ca/hours for open alternate locations.

Published:
Tuesday, August 25, 2026 - 2:00pm
Bookmobile Schedule Modifications for September

Bookmobile has the following schedule modifications for September: 

Please visit www.hpl.ca/bookmobile for updates on service modifications.

Tuesday, September 8                  

  • Strathcona - Cancelled 
  • McMaster - Cancelled 

Thursday, September 10              

  • Rockton and Millgrove visits moved to Saturdays (Starting September 12) 

Saturday, September 12               

  • Stoney Creek - Cancelled 
  • Riverdale - Cancelled 

Thursday, September 17       

  • Mohawk Gardens - Cancelled 
  • Meadowlands - Cancelled 

Friday, September 18             

  • Winona - Cancelled 
  • Queen Victoria - Cancelled
Published:
Monday, August 24, 2026 - 9:30am
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

Pick Up Your Child’s PRESTO Card for Free HSR Travel

HPL mascot scout pictured holding a Presto card.Children ages 6-12 can now travel for FREE on HSR transit with a valid PRESTO card, available from Hamilton Public Library.

Here’s How:

Get Your Card

Visit a Hamilton Public Library branch to get your child’s free library card and PRESTO card. (Only one PRESTO card per child’s library card. While quantities last.) Your child’s free PRESTO card from HPL is valid for free travel on Hamilton Street Railway (HSR), GO and Burlington Transit.

Setup Your Card

Visit one of these locations, as soon as possible, to add your child’s birth date to their PRESTO card:

  • HSR Customer Service Centre at 36 Hunter St. East (GO Station)
  • City Hall or Municipal Service Centres in Dundas, Ancaster or Stoney Creek
  • Any Shopper’s Drug Mart or Fortinos location in Hamilton

Please bring proof of your child’s age, such as a birth certificate or passport.

Children can travel free until their 13th birthday. When your child turns 13, their card can be updated to a youth card by visiting one of the locations above.

Use Your Card

When you board a bus, tap your child’s PRESTO card on the PRESTO fare payment device.

Parents and caregivers, if you don’t yet have a PRESTO card, you can get one when you visit one of the above locations to set up your child’s card. Pay your fare with the free PRESTO E-Tickets mobile app or with exact cash. Children ages 0-5 travel free and don’t need a PRESTO card.

Download the PRESTO E-Tickets Mobile app.

For more information, check out the Frequently Asked Questions

Learn more about travelling on HSR
Phone: 905-546-CITY (2489)
Email: hsrserve@hamilton.ca
Online: hamilton.ca/presto

About PRESTO

PRESTO is an easy and safe fare payment system.  It’s also the cheapest way to travel on transit in Hamilton and across the region.

Visit prestocard.ca or call 1-877-378-6123 to learn more about PRESTO and to register your child’s card.

HSR bus icon with HPL and HSR logo.