The Large Format Printer is not working at Dundas Branch. We aim to fix it as soon as possible.
Please note the Bookmobile will be attending the following community events.
Saturday, November 15:
- Hamilton Santa Claus Parade, 2-4pm
Saturdays, November 22 and 29:
- Hess Village Winter Market, 10:30am-4:30pm
- Regular Saturday Visits cancelled for both dates.
Saturday, December 6:
- Stoney Creek Santa Claus Parade 2-4pm
- Millgrove Visit is cancelled.
Noise and limited parking continue at the Kenilworth Branch this week as renovations wrap up. Thank you for your understanding.
The following locations will open later than scheduled to allow for Staff training drills.
Monday, November 24
Mount Hope, 2pm
Thursday, November 27
Stoney Creek, 10am
Please visit nearby branches. www.hpl.ca/hours
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.
Power of the Pen Creative Writing Contest
The 31st Power of the Pen writing competition invites writers ages 12-18 (age as of December 31, 2025) to submit original poetry and short stories in English, French or both languages. Prizes are for 1st- and 2nd-place in seven age groups (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 and 18) in poetry and short story categories. Digital submissions are encouraged.
Categories:
Participants can enter poems and short stories in English and French:
- English - Please submit one poem, short story or both per person in the English category.
- French - Please submit one poem, short story or both in the French category.
Prizes:
A published writer, teacher or reviewer judges entries in each category for originality, style, general presentation, spelling and grammar. There are 1st and 2nd-place winners in the seven age categories (12-18) for poetry and short stories in English and French.
First and second-place entries qualify for the Hamilton Association for the Advancement of Literature, Science and Art Maitland Banting Silver Quill and Young Poet awards. The winner in each category receives $250.
*French entries are not included in the HAALSA prize selection.
First-prize winners in each age category receive $100 and 2nd prize winners receive $25. All award winners receive a certificate and a copy of the Power of the Pen publication.
How to Enter:
This year's competition opens May 5, 2025, and closes September 30, 2025. Submit your work via the official entry form. Notification goes out to winners in January 2026.
For more information, please email mnichols@hpl.ca.
Note to Teachers:
If you are submitting a short story or poem on behalf of a student, please ensure a completed official entry form accompanies each written submission.






