April 28: National Day of Mourning

Monday, April 28 is the National Day of Mourning to remember and honour those who have died, been injured or suffered illness in the workplace. All HPL Branches will observe a minute of silence at 11am to honour their memories.

All Branches and Bookmobile Stops
Published:
Friday, April 25, 2025 - 9:00am
Westdale Branch: Polling Station

Monday, April 28 is Election Day in Canada. Westdale Branch is open 9:30am-9:30pm as a polling station. Please bring one piece of ID to vote. Please note there will be a minute of silence at 11am in honour of the National Day of Mourning.

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Published:
Friday, April 25, 2025 - 9:00am
City of Hamilton IT Maintenance

Due to City IT maintenance, HPL's catalogue and digital resources will not be available on Sunday, April 27 between midnight and 1am. We apologize for the inconvenience.

All Branches and Bookmobile Stops
Published:
Friday, April 25, 2025 - 9:00am
Extended Access at Freelton Branch Unavailable

Extended Access at Freelton Branch is not working. We aim to fix it quickly. Apologies for the inconvenience.

Published:
Thursday, April 24, 2025 - 12:00pm
Ancaster Branch - Temporary Closure, May 5-31

From Monday, May 5 to Saturday, May 31, the Ancaster Branch will be temporarily closed due to a roof and HVAC replacement. During this time, service hours will be available at the Ancaster Rotary Centre, 385 Jerseyville Road West, Ancaster. The last day to pick up your Holds is Thursday, May 1st. Thank you for your understanding.

www.hpl.ca/ancaster

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Published:
Wednesday, April 16, 2025 - 11:00am
Central Library - Microfilm Machine

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.

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Affected Branch: Central Library
Published:
Thursday, April 10, 2025 - 3:30pm
Barton Branch - Roof Repair

Due to the ongoing roof repair project, noise and parking disruptions will continue until April 25. Thank you for your patience.

Published:
Tuesday, April 8, 2025 - 3:30pm
Sherwood Branch - Basement Renovation

The first phase of renovations will begin at the Sherwood Branch from April 10 to May 2. During this time, noise disruptions may occur throughout the branch due to a basement renovation. Parking, access to the building, and collections will not be affected. Thank you for your patience. www.hpl.ca/sherwood

Published:
Monday, April 7, 2025 - 8:30am
Phishing Scheme

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.

All Branches and Bookmobile Stops
Published:
Thursday, April 3, 2025 - 10:30am

Historical Records of the City of Hamilton

Records of the City of Hamilton
Records of the City of Hamilton

Local History and Archives holds a collection of historical records generated by the City of Hamilton and its constituent departments from 1847 to approximately 2000. This collection also includes records from its predecessor entity, the Town of Hamilton from 1833 to 1846.

The Historical Records of the City of Hamilton collection is arranged into Record Groups in numerical sequence. They include the following: RG1 – Minutes; RG2 -- By-laws; RG3 – Committees; RG4 – Mayor; RG5 -- Board of Control; RG6 -- City Clerk; RG7 -- City Solicitor; RG8 – Treasury; RG9 – Assessment; RG10 – Police; RG11 – Fire; RG12 – Health; RG13 – Hospitals; RG14 – Personnel; RG15 – Building; RG16 -- Engineering and Works; RG17 -- Industrial Commissioner; RG18 – Parks; RG19 -- Culture and Recreation; RG20 – Architect; RG21 – Planning; RG22 – Traffic; RG23 -- Real Estate; RG24 -- Community Development; RG25 – Purchasing; RG26 – Property.

A detailed paper finding aid for this collection can be found in-person in the Local History and Archives reading room on the 3rd floor of the Central library. A new and updated guide to the Historical Records of the City of Hamilton is currently being prepared by staff and will be made available online when revisions are completed.