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Published:

Thursday, September 11, 2025 - 3:00pm

Canadian Libraries Looking to Follow Hamilton’s Lead Rural Branch Use Up 19% in Five Months

HAMILTON, ON – October 4, 2018 – Library representatives from across Canada are converging at Hamilton Public Library (HPL) on Thursday October 4 for a first-hand look at how HPL is leading the way to improve access to our rural libraries.

What: Hamilton Public Library reveals its two state-of-the-art libraries, Freelton and Lynden, to Canadian library representatives
When: Thursday October 4, 8am-4pm
Where: Central Library – Hamilton Room 55 York Blvd., Hamilton

“In the past, to manage resources, we’ve had to offer very limited hours in our rural library branches. Freelton, like many of the rural branches, was only open 17 hours a week,” says Paul Takala, Chief Librarian and CEO. “We’ve given the branch’s keys back to the community. Freelton is now open 60 hours a week; some of those hours we have staff present; other hours we offer remote support. We look forward to delivering more hours to all of our rural branches.”

BACKGROUND:

Hamilton Public Library’s Freelton branch was the first in Canada to automate its rural branch, granting customers access to the building when staff are not on duty. Using Bibliotheca’s Open+ technology increased the branch’s hours from 17 to 60 hours per week and the community has responded well, with 19 per cent more visits over the first five months since it was introduced in Spring 2017.

About Hamilton Public Library

The Hamilton Public Library is a vibrant hub for information and culture, providing our diverse community the Freedom to Discover. Discover something new at our 22 locations, two bookmobiles, or through our extensive digital collections. We have books, music, DVDs, video games and programs for all ages; including our Visiting Library Service, for those who can't make it in to our branches. Since 1914, Hamilton Public Library has been collecting and preserving Hamilton's history. Local History & Archives continues to tell our residents' stories. Visit us online at hpl.ca. Connect with us on Twitter @hamiltonlibrary and Facebook at HamiltonPublicLibrary.

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Media Contact

Shelley McKay
Communications Manager
Hamilton Public Library
w. 905.546.3200 x5934
smckay@hpl.ca