Heat Warning for the City of Hamilton.
Significant heat and humidity will arrive on Friday July 11. Heat Warnings stay in effect until they are cancelled or escalated to an Extended Heat Warning.
For information about heat-related illnesses, cool place locations and reducing your risk, visit hamilton.ca.
Accessible Parking Spot not available. We are working to resolve the issue as soon as possible.
Filming will take place near the Locke Branch from July 13 to 16, which will impact traffic flow and parking. We apologize for the inconvenience.
The Bookmobile visit at Huntington Park (11am-Noon) on Friday, July 11, is cancelled. Service is expected to resume the following week. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Central Library's Fourth Floor is hosting Steel Town Love Festival on Saturday, July 12 from 11am-4pm. Makerspace and Newcomer Learning Centre will remain open. Floors 1-3 are available for Members to use as study and work spaces instead.
The parking lot elevator at Terryberry Branch is not working. Members will need to use the accessible ramp at the Mohawk entrance and the inner elevator. We're working to get it fixed quickly.
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.
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.
If you’re looking to discuss the last book you read and always on the lookout for the next great read, join a HPL Book Club, or create your own club.
HPL offers many Book Clubs that feature fiction, non-fiction, romance, and French Check out our virtual clubs hpl.ca or join an in-person book club at a branch.
If you are keen to create a club with fellow book lovers, HPL has more than 350 titles to choose from in the Book Club Kit collection. Each kit has 10-12 books of the same title, along with a discussion guide, author bio and reviews — all contained in a large bag.
To borrow a kit, you need a valid HPL library card. Then, browse the collection, place holds or pause the kit for pick up at a later date. Kits can also be renewed, if no other book club is waiting for it.
Join a book club by signing up online at hpl.ca, or place a hold on a Book Club Kit.
Have more questions? Read through the Book Club Kit FAQ below.
What is a Book Club Kit?
A Book Club Kit contains 10-12 copies of one title. When possible, it includes 10 standard copies and two large print copies. The kit also contains discussion questions, reviews, a sign-out sheet and an author biography.
Who can borrow Book Club Kits?
Anyone with a valid HPL card. Need one? Head to any HPL branch to sign up for a card. Bring two pieces of identification: one with your photo and one with your current address.
Can I still use my Book Club Kit HPL card?
Yes. But new Book Club Kit cards are no longer created, as all Members can place holds on any items in the catalogue with their personal HPL card.
Can Book Club Kits be reserved in advance?
Yes. You can browse the kits from our library catalogue and titles can be paused for a later date. Titles cannot be reserved for a specific date. Branch staff can help you place holds on Kits. Contact HPL at 905-546-3200, email askus@hpl.ca or chat at hpl.ca.
How many Book Club Kits can I put on hold?
You can place holds on up to 50 Kits. Book Clubs are encouraged to use Pause Holds to manage their Kits. You can see where you are in the holds queue to determine when your Kit may become available.
Where can Book Club Kits be picked up?
Kits can be picked up at any of our 23 branches.
How long can book clubs keep a Kit?
They can be borrowed for six weeks. Kits can be renewed if there are no other clubs waiting for the title. No fines are charged so you can hold on to your kit a few days longer if needed.
Can Book Club Kits be renewed?
Yes. Book Club Kits can be renewed if there are no other clubs waiting for the title. No fines are charges if you need to hold on to the Kit a little longer.
How many kits does HPL have?
HPL has over 350 kits.
How are Book Club Kits selected?
HPL’s Collection librarians carefully choose titles for purchase. They take into consideration reviews and current events when purchasing Kits.
Can I suggest a Book Club Kit title for HPL’s collection?
Suggestions are accepted here, and are considered alongside new, high-demand and timely titles. Not all suggestions are selected for purchase.
What if I return a copy damaged or lose my Kit?
Fines are not charged. Please let HPL Staff know if a copy is damaged or lost.
