Please note that the audio volume levels on our public computers are having issues. The estimated time of disruption is unknown at this time. Thank you for your patience.
Public Computers - Audio Volume
All Branches and Bookmobile Stops
Published:
Thursday, May 29, 2025 - 4:00pm
Barton Branch Accessibile Washroom Out of Order
The accessible washroom at Barton Branch is not working. We aim to get it fixed quickly.
1
Published:
Thursday, May 29, 2025 - 11:15am
Sherwood Branch - Temporary Closure
As the 1st floor renovation wraps up, the Sherwood Branch will be closed on Thursday, June 5, to reset the spaces. Service hours will resume on Friday, June 6. Thank you for your patience.
1
Published:
Thursday, May 29, 2025 - 11:00am
Concession Branch's Children's Department Closure for Repair
Concession Branch's children's department will be closed on the morning of Monday, June 2nd for minor repairs. We apologize for the inconvenience.
1
Published:
Monday, May 26, 2025 - 2:15pm
Mount Hope Branch Accessibile Ramp Not Available
The accessibility ramp at Mount Hope Branch is damaged. The handrail is not available. The ramp will not be available while being repaired. We aim to fix it quickly.
1
Published:
Friday, May 23, 2025 - 4:30pm
All Branches Closed - May 30, Staff Professional Development
All HPL Branches are closed on Friday May 30 for Staff Development. Bookmobile is off the road and Extended Access is not available. HPL's online card registration, catalogue and eResources are not available until 5pm due to scheduled maintenance. All branches reopen Saturday May 31.
All Branches and Bookmobile Stops
Published:
Monday, May 12, 2025 - 8:00am
Turner Park Branch - Roof Repair
Due to the ongoing roof repair project, noise and parking disruptions are expected to continue until the end of June. Thank you for your patience.
1
Published:
Monday, April 28, 2025 - 10:00am
Ancaster Branch - Temporary Relocation in May
Until Saturday May 31, the Ancaster Branch is temporarily relocated to the Ancaster Rotary Centre, 385 Jerseyville Road West, Ancaster. The Wilson Street branch is closed for a roof and HVAC replacement and is expected to reopen on Monday June 2 at 9am.
1
Published:
Wednesday, April 16, 2025 - 11:00am
Central Library - Microfilm Machine
The digital microfilm machines at Central Library are not working. A single analog machine is available, but it doesn't print. We aim to have the digital devices repaired as soon as possible. We apologize for the inconvenience.
1
Published:
Thursday, April 10, 2025 - 3:30pm
Phishing Scheme
Please be aware of online phishing attempts impersonating Hamilton Public Library and Library Staff. HPL does not solicit paid freelance opportunities through social media or other messaging applications. HPL does not request personal or banking information through social media or require financial compensation when reviewing job applications. Please report phishing schemes to communications@hpl.ca. If you think you are a victim of fraud, please call the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501.
All Branches and Bookmobile Stops
Published:
Thursday, April 3, 2025 - 10:30am
Get a Library Card
Register Online
Get your Library Card online now or visit any HPL branch and fill out an application form (also available in French, Arabic, Chinese, Portuguese, Polish, Spanish, Italian, Ukrainian, Karen-Sgaw, Urdu, Hindi and Somali).
McMaster University students and staff can pick up their HPL holds at Mills Library, McMaster University. Use your McMaster email address when registering for a HPL eCard to qualify for this service.
When registering at a branch, please bring identification and proof of your current address. Acceptable forms of identification are:
- A valid driver's licence (permanent or temporary)
- Ontario Photo card
- Two pieces of current identification (one should include your current address)
Library cards are free to anyone living, working or studying in Hamilton. With your Library card you can:
- Use it at any Library branch in Hamilton.
- Borrow books, CDs, movies, magazines, video games and more.
- Access online resources such as newspapers, articles and special databases (consumer reports, auto repair, genealogy research).
- Download eBooks, eAudiobooks, music, movies and magazines.
- Use Library computers and printers.
- Use digital media labs and Makerspaces.
- Access Hamilton's Civic Museums for free.
Types of Library cards:
Discovery Cards
- Full borrowing privileges for those who live, work, attend school or own property in Hamilton and have appropriate identification.
- Youth Discovery Cards: In keeping with the Library’s The Rights of Children and Teens in the Public Library Policy, there is no restriction on material borrowed by children. Parents and/or caregivers are responsible for the selection, use and safe return of borrowed materials , with the exception of films rated 'R' or '18A' by the Ontario Film Review Board; and games rated 'M' by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (age 18 and older).
- Discovery cards are also available to any person who has a Six Nations address in Ontario.
Inspire Cards
- For those with limited identification. Borrowing privileges for physical items are limited but you have full access to digital resources.
Non-Resident Cards
- Non-residents must pay a $100 annual fee.
- Cardholders must verify their address and phone number.
- Non-resident cards have the same privileges as Discover cards (HPL's standard resident Library card) to access collections and physical resources. Sorry, Extended Access is not included with the Non-resident card.
Reciprocal Borrowing Cards
Anyone with a Library card from the neighbouring municipalities listed below, can also borrow items from Hamilton Public Library. (Additional identification with your name and address is also required.)
- Burlington Public Library
- Cambridge Public Library
- County of Brant Library System
- Grimsby Public Library
- Haldimand Public Library
- Milton Public Library
- Region of Waterloo Library
- Waterloo Public Library
- Wellington County Public Library
Hamilton Public Library cards are free to anyone living, working or studying in Hamilton only.
Community Cards
Staff of Hamilton daycare centres, institutions, schools, corporations, businesses, government agencies, associations, charitable and non-profit organizations or group homes can apply for a Community Card.
A Community Card application requires the signature of an executive, administrator or any staff member who has received authorization from the organization to create a Community Card.
Service Fees
The Hamilton Public Library is not charging fines or lost or damaged fees for its materials to ensure access and support the community. The Library collects fees for lost or damanged digital equipment or Interlibrary loans. Please see the Service Fees Policy for a list of other pay per use services.
Lost Cards
If you lose your card, please call 905-546-3200.
Change of Contact Information or Address
If you need to change your address or contact information, visit any branch or call 905-546-3200.
