Printing and Photocopying Service Unavailable at Red Hill
Printing and photocopying services are currently unavailable at the Red Hill. The estimated time of disruption is unknown. We are working to resolve this issue. Thank you for your patience.
Central Library - Tax Clinic Cancellation
Due to unforeseen circumstances, the free drop-in tax preparation service clinic on Saturday, April 8 has been cancelled. Please visit hpl.ca/free-tax-service for other clinic dates. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Phishing Statement
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.
Barton Branch Makerspace
The iMac at the Barton Branch Makerspace is currently unavailable. We are working to resolve this issue.
Accessible Washroom Unavailable at Barton Branch
The accessible washroom is currently unavailable at the Barton Branch. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Borrowing
What do I need to borrow material?
To borrow library materials, you will need your library card number and your PIN. A PIN is assigned when you register for a card.
You can change this PIN at any time, through your My HPL library account or at any library branch. Please make sure you bring identification when you wish to make changes to your account in person.
How long can I borrow material?
The loan period for most circulating items is 21 days with following exceptions:
- Express DVDs –7 days
- Magazines –7 days (adult and children's, non-renewable)
- Park Passes –7 days
- Book Club Kits –42 days
- VLS members’ loan period –120 days
When you check out materials you will receive a receipt with the due date for the items you have borrowed. A receipt can also be emailed to you. You can also check MyHPL for due dates.
Borrowing Limits
For more information about library cards, see Types of Library cards.
Renewals
Items that are eligible for renewal will automatically be renewed on the due date up to three (3) times following initial checkout. Members with email notification will receive an email informing them of which items have been renewed and which items will be due.
The following items are not eligible for renewal:
- Items requested by another member
- Magazines
- DVD Express
- Bestseller Express
Renewal of Interlibrary loan materials is subject to the guidelines of the lending library.
Reserves/Holds
Members may reserve an item to be picked up at a preferred location. This is referred to as placing an item on “hold.” Upon notification that a reserve is available, members have 7 open days to pick up the item. The following physical items cannot be reserved:
- Magazines
- DVD Express
- Bestseller Express
Returns
Items borrowed from the Hamilton Public Library need to be returned to an HPL location. Drop boxes are available for the return of items when the location is closed. If a Hamilton Public Library item is returned to another library system in error, the card holder is responsible for all fees and associated charges. Certain items may need to be returned during open hours.
Suspension of Borrowing Privileges
Borrowing privileges are suspended when members have overdue materials over the threshold limit. Suspensions only apply to physical borrowing; digital collections and resources remain accessible.
Partnerships
HPL cardholders can also borrow materials from Burlington Public Library. Read more about this partnership at hpl.ca/Borrow-Around-the-Bay.
Through OverDrive/Libby HPL cardholders can access eBooks and eAudiobooks at Burlington, Ottawa, London and Mississauga libraries. Read more information about this partnership at hpl.ca/More-to-Borrow.
