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Central Library

Open Hours: 
Sun: 12:00 pm-5:00 pm

Mon: 8:00 am-8:00 pm

Tue: 8:00 am-8:00 pm

Wed: 8:00 am-8:00 pm

Thu: 8:00 am-8:00 pm

Fri: 8:00 am-6:00 pm

Sat: 8:00 am-5:00 pm

Note: Public computers shut down 15 minutes and Makerspaces close 30 minutes before the branch closes.
Study Hall Hours*: 
Sunday: Closed

Monday: 8:00 pm-12:00 am

Tuesday: 8:00 pm-12:00 am

Wednesday: 8:00 pm-12:00 am

Thursday: 8:00 pm-12:00 am

Friday: Closed

Saturday: Closed

Address:
55 York Boulevard
L8N 4E4 Hamilton, ON
Google Map
AskHPL: 

289-779-7588 *HPL Main Line

Bus Routes: 
Any bus that stops at the MacNab Street Terminal and/or at King & James St
Branch Manager: 
Sarah Gauthier, Allison Stockton-Aird
Branch Features: 
Book Return
Computer Training Lab
Multipurpose Rooms
Public Use Computers
Free WiFi
Wheelchair Accessible
French Collection
Bike Rack
Makerspace
Makerspace Booking
Makerspace Equipment
Self-Serve Lamination
Black and White and Colour Copying
Scan to USB and Email
Accessible Features: 
Accessible Counter
Accessible Washroom
Automatic Door Opener
Accessible Ramp
Accessible Interview Space
Elevator
Family Change Room
Hearing Loop
MagnusCards

On Tuesday, May 13, a fire drill will be held at 11 am at Central Library. You may visit the Barton or Locke Branches as alternate locations for your library needs. Thank you for your understanding.

*Between 8:00 am and 9:00 am, only the Library’s First Floor is open.

The first Hamilton Public Library building opened on September 16, 1890 by the Earl and Countess of Aberdeen on the north side of Main Street West. In 1913, a new main library opened. This building was replaced in 1980 by Central Library, at the current location on York Boulevard.

In 2010, Central Library re-opened after approximately 18 months of renovations. Central Library opened with a newly revitalized first floor, which includes a Community Living Room that takes advantage of natural light. The Ontario Library Association honoured Central in 2012 with an Architectural and Design Transformation award. 

The Central Library also has a Seed Library provided in partnership with Green Venture. Visit the Central Library to select seeds, find information about gardening and HPL programs, and harvest seeds to replenish the Seed Library.  

Central Library offers materials and programming for children, teens and adults. The Library also has dedicated spaces and program rooms for children, teens and adults.

Visit the Newcomer Learning Centre on the 4th Floor for English language learning resources, programs and services.

The Local History & Archives (LH&A) Department has been collecting and preserving Hamilton's history since 1914. LHA is located on the 3rd Floor.

Central Library is located at 55 York Blvd, Hamilton, ON L8R 3K1.

Directions From Toronto:

Take Highway 401 to Highway 403.
Exit at York Boulevard.
Follow York Boulevard past Bay Street and FirstOntario Centre.
Library is on the right-hand side.

From Niagara Falls:

Take QEW Westbound to Highway 403, Hamilton
Exit at York Boulevard.
Follow York Boulevard past Bay Street and FirstOntario Centre.
Library is on the right-hand side.

From Brantford:

Take Highway 403 to Hamilton.
Exit at Main Street East.
Follow Main Street to Bay Street.
Turn left onto Bay Street.
Follow Bay Street to York Boulevard and turn right past FirstOntario Centre
Library is on the right-hand side.

Parking

Public parking lots are located in the immediate vicinity.

* For Couriers and Deliveries: The physical address of Central Library is 55 York Blvd, Hamilton, ON L8R 3K1