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.
As the 1st floor renovation wraps up, the Sherwood Branch will be closed on Thursday, June 5, to reset the spaces. Service hours will resume on Friday, June 6. Thank you for your patience.
Concession Branch's children's department will be closed on the morning of Monday, June 2nd for minor repairs. We apologize for the inconvenience.
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.
All HPL Branches are closed on Friday May 30 for Staff Development. Bookmobile is off the road and Extended Access is not available. HPL's online card registration, catalogue and eResources are not available until 5pm due to scheduled maintenance. All branches reopen Saturday May 31.
Due to the ongoing roof repair project, noise and parking disruptions are expected to continue until the end of June. Thank you for your patience.
Until Saturday May 31, the Ancaster Branch is temporarily relocated to the Ancaster Rotary Centre, 385 Jerseyville Road West, Ancaster. The Wilson Street branch is closed for a roof and HVAC replacement and is expected to reopen on Monday June 2 at 9am.
The digital microfilm machines at Central Library are not working. A single analog machine is available, but it doesn't print. We aim to have the digital devices repaired as soon as possible. We apologize for the inconvenience.
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.
Census

Please note: Historical information and facts presented here are undergoing verification and will be reviewed and revised, as needed. - Posted June 2024
Census records are valuable to historical research.
Census records from 1825 to 1931 are available online through Library and Archives Canada.
Ontario Census records (to 1901) are available on microfilm in Local History and Archives by request. Births which occur during a census year are noted in the record.
Census records are also available via the links listed below.
Online indexes and information:
Ancestry Library Edition
Census information for Canada is availble on Ancestry Library Edition, which is available through Hamilton Public Library's public computer workstations at every branch. Ancestry Library Edition is also available on your personal computer or device when using HPL's wireless internet at any branch.
Genealogy and Family History at Library and Archives Canada
Information about using Library and Archives Canada for genealogical research.
A searchable collection of global census results spanning several centuries. Canadian records from 1825 (Lower Canada) to 1931 are available. Registration (free) is required.
An indexed database of the 1901 Canadian census.