Daily print balances for black and white and colour printing change January 2, 2026. The new daily print balance is 40 cents. Members receive four free black and white copies or two free colour copies.
Large format and vinyl printing pricing also change on January 2. Visit https://www.hpl.ca/makerspaces for updates.
Due to limited Staffing, Lynden Branch will be open today from 1-6pm with Extended Access services only. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Bookmobile is off the road from December 25-27, December 31, and January 1st. Visit www.hpl.ca/bookmobile for our Holiday Schedule.
Due to the setup for the Noon Hour Concert, the Fourth Floor at Central Library will be closed on Friday, January 2. Makerspace and Newcomer Learning Centre will remain open. Floors 1-3 have spaces to work and study.
All branches close on Thursday January 1 for New Years Day. This includes branches with Extended Access.
All branches close on Friday, December 26, 2025 for Boxing Day . This includes branches with Extended Access.
All HPL Branches close early on Wednesday, December 24 at 1pm. All locations are also closed on Christmas Day, Thursday, December 25, and Boxing Day, Friday, December 26. Visit www.hpl.ca/hours for our Holiday Schedule.
All HPL Branches close early on Wednesday, December 31 at 1pm. All locations are also closed on New Year's Day, Thursday, January 1st. Regular service hours resume on Friday, January 2. www.hpl.ca/hours
All branches close on Thursday, December 25, for Christmas. This includes branches with Extended Access.
All branches close on Sunday, December 28, 2025. This includes branches with Extended Access.
Branch Study Halls are paused Friday, December 19, 2025 through Monday, January 5, 2026. Central Library Study Hall hours resume Spring 2026.
www.hpl.ca/study-halls
Bring back your borrowed library items (due Oct 1 or later) within 28 days to avoid a replacement or lost fee. We'll remove the fee when you bring back your overdue items.
How do I get a free PRESTO card?
Children ages 6-12 with a valid library card can get a free PRESTO card at any Branch or Bookmobile to travel free on HSR, GO and Burlington Transit. Only one PRESTO card permitted per child’s library card. While quantities last.
What steps are involved to activate a card?
Show your child’s library card to Staff at any Branch or Bookmobile or register for library card if you don’t have one.
Activate your new PRESTO card within 30 days. Bring proof of your child’s age (ex. birth certificate/passport) to one of the following locations:
HSR Customer Service Centre, 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.
When your child’s PRESTO card is activated, they can travel free on the HSR, GO or Burlington Transit until age 13.
Do I need to load money on my child’s PRESTO card?
No. The card is FREE and travel is FREE for children ages 6-12.
What about kids under 5?
Children ages 0-5 always travel free on the HSR, GO and Burlington Transit.
How do I use the PRESTO card to travel?
When boarding the bus, tap the child’s PRESTO card on the PRESTO Fare Payment device.
What if my child loses the free PRESTO card?
This partnership provides one free PRESTO card to each child library card holder (until supplies last). Lost cards can’t be replaced with another free card. Additional card(s) must be purchased from a PRESTO vendor.
Can I laminate or hole-punch my card?
Please do not laminate your PRESTO card. It may cause it to melt or become damaged. Also, please do not puncture it or put a hole in it. It may disrupt the wiring inside the card, resulting in a damaged card that cannot be used. Ask Staff for special wallets that you can put your card in and attach it to a zipper pull or handle of a bag.
What happens when a child turns 13?
When your child turns 13, contact the HSR Customer Service Centre/City Hall or Municipal Centres to update the PRESTO card to a youth card. Youth fare must be loaded onto the card. Otherwise, the PRESTO card reverts to an adult card.
Can adults use these cards?
No. This program is limited to children ages 6-12. If adults don’t yet have a PRESTO card, they can pay the fare with the free PRESTO E-Tickets mobile app or pay with exact cash.
What if a child loses their free Hamilton Public Library card?
Parents/guardians can visit any HPL branch to replace the lost library card.
About PRESTO
PRESTO is an easy and safe fare payment system. It’s the cheapest way to travel on transit in Hamilton and across the region. Visit prestocard.ca or call 1-877-378-6123 to learn about PRESTO and to register for a child’s card.
Learn more about travelling on HSR with PRESTO
Call: 905-546-CITY (2489)
Email: hsrserve@hamilton.ca
Visit: hamilton.ca/prest
