Frequently Asked Questions
Last Updated: November 22, 2024.
The City of Hamilton experienced a cybersecurity incident on Feb. 26. Learn more.
Good news, HPL Members: As of July 24, you can access the HPL Catalogue and HPL app! You can now log into your Library accounts, browse, borrow, and place new (or adjust) Holds on your devices.
Access to Libby, OverDrive and most online resources (Kanopy, Hoopla, etc.) are available. Enter your HPL library card number and PIN.
As of July 18, HPL Members HAVE access to partner libraries' (Burlington, London, Kingston, Mississauga and Ottawa) digital collections once again.
I have questions. Who can answer them?
Email askus@hpl.ca, call 289-779-7588 or chat at hpl.ca.
Jump to:
Borrowing
Can I place holds?
Yes. Members can access the HPL Catalogue and HPL app. Log into your Library accounts, browse, borrow and place new (or adjust) Holds on your devices.
When can I pick up my holds?
You will be notified when your Holds are available for pickup.
How long can I borrow physical library materials, eBooks and eAudiobooks?
You have 21 days to enjoy your physical items.
Should I bring back my overdue materials now?
Yes, please. We now have a process for checking in items. Please bring back your items so others can enjoy them, too.
Are there fines for overdue materials?
HPL permanently eliminated fines on all materials as of March 1, 2022.
Does my library card work online?
Some eResources are available without a library card. Visit HPL online and call 289-779-7588, email askus@hpl.ca, or chat with Staff.
When can I pick up my holds?
You will be notified when your Holds are available for pickup.
Services
Are branches open?
Yes, branches are open hpl.ca/hours. Extended Access has returned to the Carlisle, Freelton, Greensville, and Lynden branches.
Which branches are open on Sundays?
Central Library is open Sunday from Noon-5pm and the Dundas, Red Hill, Terryberry, Turner Park, Valley Park and Waterdown Branches are open 1-5pm. Please check hpl.ca/hours for up-to-date schedules.
Is Study Hall open?
Yes. This service resumed on Tuesday, September 3, 2024. More details on www.hpl.ca/study-halls.
Can I visit the Bookmobile?
Yes. And there are more sites throughout the region. Specific days and times for each location are listed at hpl.ca/bookmobile.
Can I use a computer?
Public computers are now available at all branches.
Can I get help with my tech devices?
Yes. We have drop-in tech programs or you can book an appointment for a one-on-one session. Please bring in your device.
Can I use the Wi-Fi?
Public Wi-Fi is available at most branches, but it is not yet available at the Ancaster branch. For more information, please call 289-779-7588, email askus@hpl.ca, or chat with Staff.
Is Local History and Archives open?
Central Library's LHA 3rd Floor in-person reading room and Staff are available. In-room reference material, microfilm and other in-person services are available. Online image searching is not available.
Are Makerspaces open?
Select Makerspace equipment is available. For a list of available equipment, visit HPL.ca/makerspace. Visit HPL online and call 289-779-7588, email askus@hpl.ca, or chat with library Staff with any questions.
Are in-person programs offered?
Yes. Visit hpl.ca/events for a full listing.
Are room rentals available?
Not yet. This service is expected to return in January 2025. Please check hpl.ca for updates.
Is food and drink permitted?
Visitors can consume covered drinks and snacks while at a branch. However, to keep our spaces tidy, hot meals (burgers, fries, pizza, etc.) are not permitted.
Can I suggest a Book Club Kit title for HPL’s collection?
We are not able to accept suggestions at this time. However, Book Clubs are still circulating.
Can I make a suggestion for purchase?
HPL welcomes suggestions for purchase. Submit a suggestion here.
Is the Home Library Service running?
Yes. Read more information about the Home Library Service.
Can I use my HPL card at other library systems?
Please check with our neighbouring library systems (Burlington, Kingston, London, Mississauga and Ottawa). Other systems may have different services and policies.
Can I make a request for an interlibrary loan?
Yes. If you can’t find what you’re looking for in HPL’s catalogue, please fill out the Interlibrary Loan Request form to access items from library systems across Ontario and Canada.
What can I do with my card?
- Use it at any Library branch in Hamilton.
- Borrow books, CDs, movies, magazines, video games and more.
- Access online resources such as newspapers, articles and special databases (consumer reports, auto repair, genealogy research).
- Download eBooks, eAudiobooks, music, movies and magazines.
- Use digital media labs and Makerspaces (limited services available during the cybersecurity outage).
- Access Hamilton's Civic Museums for free.
Can I register for a new library card?
Yes. Anyone living, working or studying in Hamilton can register for a free Library card at any HPL branch. However, new cards made during the cybersecurity outage can't access Libby, OverDrive and Kanopy. Please bring proof of your current address and identification, such as:
- A valid driver's license (permanent or temporary)
- Ontario photo card
- Two pieces of current identification (one should include your current address)
Print / Copy / Scan / Laminate
Can I print remotely and pick up at a branch?
No. The network outage prevents us from offering this service for now.
Can I print, photocopy or scan at a branch?
Printing is available at all branches. Photocopying is available at all branches except for the Terryberry, Concession, and Dundas branches. Scanning is not yet available.
