Barton Branch is closed Tuesday, July 7, 9am-3pm due to a scheduled water shutdown for City construction work in the area.
Freelton Branch has no power. The branch is open but the computers [and elevator] are not working. We are unsure when power will be restored.
Heat Warning for the City of Hamilton.
Significant heat and humidity will arrive on Tuesday June 30.
For information about heat-related illnesses, cool place locations and reducing your risk, visit hamilton.ca.
The What's Happening Guide has been retired and replaced with different communications channels and tactics. You can find the new Summer Reading Flyer here. Watch for future communications updates.
Sunday hours return to Central Library. Beginning July 5, Central is open Noon to 5pm. Dundas, Red Hill, Terryberry, Turner Park, Valley Park and Waterdown branches are also open Sundays, 1 to 5pm. hpl.ca/hours
The accessibility door at Carlisle Branch is not working. We aim to fix it quickly.
After Hours Study Hall is not available in July and August. Hours will resume Tuesday, September 8. www.hpl.ca/study-halls
The entrance to the Barton Branch's parking lot off Milton Street is currently inaccessible due to construction. Please use the alley entrance off Fullerton Street.
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.
Bookmobile Service Modifications
Fri Jul 3:
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Winona Cancelled
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Queen Victoria Cancelled
Mon Jul 6:
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Special Event - All Stops Cancelled
LGBT2SQ+ Community Archive
Updated May 1, 2025
Michael Johnstone fonds is the founding collection of the Hamilton 2SLGBTQ+ Community Archive at Hamilton Public Library (HPL).
HPL's Local History and Archives Staff are very familiar with this Archive; it is well organized and described. It is a large Archive with some restrictions for privacy; researchers are asked to schedule a research visit by phone or email.
You can find more information here: https://archives.hpl.ca/index.php/michael-johnstone-fond
Updated July 3, 2018
Hamilton Public Library is grateful to Michael Johnstone for his founding donation to our new LGBT2SQ+ Community Archive. Michael has lovingly captured more than 50 years of Hamilton’s LGBT2SQ+ history – serving as a self-appointed archivist for a segment of the population that has long been marginalized. The collection contains news clippings, photos, meeting minutes, newsletters and more.
The donation was accepted by our Chief Librarian Paul Takala, on Sunday June 17, 2018 during the Hamilton Pride celebration at Gage Park. It will be housed in our Local History & Archives department at Central Library, for the betterment of our fine City and its many rainbow residents.
Thank you very much, Michael.






