Reviews of Hamilton Public Library - Central Library (Library)

QC Sux

A multilevel spacious well equipped and clean public library for all to enjoy with friendly and helpful staff. If you like to read books then this is the go to place.

Gino Cavicchioli

Fantastic state of the Art Library ❤️ Hamilton city council voted to publicly fund the construction and operation of a library in 1889. This building opened in February 1890. Hamilton was the first city in Canada to erect a new building for the express purpose of housing a library. A HPL branch opened on Hamilton’s Barton Street in 1908. Andrew Carnegie funded a new main library, which opened in 1913. This was in turn replaced by a new, six-storey central library in 1980. Today, only one half of the building houses public collections. Once restricted to the city of Hamilton, the HPL service area was expanded when the outlying townships were amalgamated into the City in 2001. The now-amalgamated City of Dundas had had its own library in operation since 1822

JK Developement

One of the worst examples of what a library should be. This place is a flop-house for street people, a daycare centre for refugees and a haven for theft. Never leave your things unattended, many 'kids' just watch for that will simple pack your bag up and walk out - seen it happen. The library should be closed down until they come up with a much stricter policy outline and address the issues, or give up city funding. The fact that taxes support it is appalling.

Veronica Dyer

Ground floor redesign is amazing for walk-ins, even includes standing desk work stations. Proximity to market and mall are huge pluses.

Mohammad Khan

Good place for occasional readers!

Camille Goodwin

so many quiet places to sit and read

Bryan Wright

Love this library! Holds a lot of memories of childhood there but they've also really improved their look without losing those feelings. Great selection of DVDs, digital media and books.

Felipe muñoz

Lovely place in the middle of the city, so many books to choose, very easy process to get your public library card, it's the perfect place for reading and even for some sightseeing of the city.

Green Beans

Lots of great books! When I was ten, an older gentleman there decided it would be alright to hit on me- but aside from the usual weirdos this is a fantastic library.

Ahmad Khaleel

Clam place for reading and studying. Also, you can rent a laptop or tablet for researches

Tara W

Love it there....staff so friendly for my son and daughter!

Alison & Aria Pipe

Dennis Kelly was once heard saying that libraries are Obsolete and that communities don't need them but I don't believe that to be true at all from every element of my parenting to having helped start my business to helping to generate interest in technology and the creative arts the local libraries here in Hamilton Ave been a staple in my Family schedule for over 14 years and I myself grew up playing around Terryberry and spending quite a bit of my summer time there I feel that libraries are an integral part of our community and that our cities would not flourish in the same way without them libraries are not just about paper books they're about information and that will forever be an important part of our community

CJ Urech

Clean, bright and updated with a very helpful and friendly staff.

Mark Fearon

Greetings from Mark F. to the public! The Hamilton public library provides wifi, fax and other media service that is essentially to the public for communication and survival. The library provides excellent services for people on the go in comfortable disturbance free environment. I thank the library for their services and I look forward to the opening of more branches for consumer use. Mark A. Fearon Thanks for your time!

Kathy F

Good library

Crimson Lord

Very accommodating for trans people, they allow the use of preferred names on your library card

Brandon Lukasik

What can I say. As someone who hadn't been there in 20 years I can say I'm impressed. Great selection. Amazing ebook selection too. Staff is friendly. Was able to read quietly without interruption for a few hours. There are cool things scheduled there too for family day for example!

Sn Caper

This place is very organized.

Hannah Kedini

Beautiful, my baby loves it!

Ahmed Hani

Nice and quiet place and the staff are very friendly and respectful

Ryan William

Great place! Special people work there everyday

Brian Owen

It is great that the many wonderful resources of the HPL are available. The staff is very helpful. Hours open are less during the pandemic but that is to be expected. Also, rarely is there waiting time to use a computer.

some brown guy

great library, has a great variety of books and other media, and the staff is very friendly as well

Kyle B

The library is pretty good! Had a lot of items to borrow but being up to date it is slow on doing that in certain sections. Security is no good and rarely help. There are a number of dangerous people that come in & out of the library that security needs to do a better job at watching. Like the fact there is lots of space and lot of things to check out. The events they have at the library are great; need more great events. Homeless does hang about, but they need a warm place so if they are not making trouble leave be. Overall for what the library is its okay; not great but not poor either!

nobi nakamura

Just around the corner from the library entrance in the food court is Jan Bingo, a refreshing way to experience old skool chinese fast food.

Miranda Morris

This library is very nice. The plants are lush and green and the vents hum soothingly.

John Schuurman

Such an amazing library. HPL is a real treasure in the Hamilton community; one of the most trusted and creative institutions in the city, and Central library is its main attraction.

Agha Bustamam

Location: easy to find. Internet: slow on the 2nd floor

Severina M

Lovely open concept with lots of space. Good selection of books on varied topics. I love their online presence as well; it's easy to check beforehand to see if the books I want are available at that branch. Friendly and helpful staff and security. Could use a little more seating, especially "normal sized" chairs as opposed to those that are low to the ground. Older people like me have a hard time getting out of those!

Azza Alsheikh

Services and staff are great, the control over the library's environment (cleanliness & disturbences)is not so much.

Victoria Bomberry

Love the Hamilton Public Library. Each branch has its own character - great selections with friendly staff. Central was updated in 2010 with a beautiful design that has sustained over the years. Being the crown jewel of our library system, Central has the most extensive offering of books and services. Including a "Makerspace" with incredibly affordable fees for entrepreneurs and DIY-ers alike to access 3-D builders, large scale printers, I Mac's for digital design work, embroidery machines, etc. Really a beautiful space connected to the Hamilton Farmers Market (fabulous offerings year round!) and Jackson Square mall (lower end stores with a typical food court). 4/5 bc the Internet is incredibly slow (less than 1mbps with intense lag) on busy days like Saturday. We enjoy eachl of the branches we've visited (almost all!) but of course the newly redesigned ones are especially enticing - Locke (2019), Dundas & Binbrook (2018) as well as several others within the last 10 years like Waterdown. Definitely recommend visiting a library when you're in town!

Mike Long

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Michael Porter

The maker studio on the fourth floor is an amazing resource, definitely check out everything. The staff are very friendly and knowledgable. I'd like to see more designated quiet zones, but maybe I'm just old-school.

Gabriel Bloom

Awesome! I get to visit this HPL library branch every Saturday (usually).

Stephen Chase

Best Metro Hamilton library!!

madina yousif

good place to visit

Dan Myles

I was sitting at cellphone charging station,on my left two gentlemen were exchanging money for fentanyl,on my right a child was colouring with her mother,I thought what a clash of lifestyles and I’m in the middle.Also security staff stopped and had a conversation with the two gentlemen and there were smiles and laughs..a bit disconcerting....it seems the Salvation Army across the street is the centre of this activity and it’s spilling over into the library ...

Sandra Coruzzi

Wonderful library, helpful staff, as always a great selection of books! Best library in the city. It's great to be able to use the printers for Amazon returns lol!

sarem say

The librarian was so helpful and nice

Carolyn Dell

Very good books, and tons of variety. They have most books in stock.

Christinna LeBlanc

Fabulous! Great staff, great environment, also has great programs for children.

Victor L

Great library. Wonderful selection of books, CDs, movies. Frequent programs happening.

Minjung Hwangbo

The staff at Makerspace have been nothing but helpful and friendly. The access to such a wide range of equipment is also a huge privilege to have. On top of that, the space is always well-maintained and organized!

Brian Evans

New renovation looks great, bright, clean, tons of glass and neat overview of the farmers market. Kids play area is large with lots of seating. Self checkout and automated return kiosks. Great stuff. #hamont

Serena Bui

Great selection of books, movies, etc. Staff are friendly and resourceful. Need a bit of improvement on having more tables for quiet study room, etc. ????

daniela romeo

Great multi level library. Good selection of books

eshodee dede (hinalina)

good place to go , but i don't know why they close early on Saturdays

Đúc Dũng Phạm

nothing to describe how nice it is. I come here to play chess with other people and study! The place is quiet and wifi is fast. Gud gud.. ^_^

Lacie

It's really pretty but I think it needs some more tables!♡ Everytime I go, they're usually all gone. If I go right when it opens it's like some Black Friday madness with everyone trying to find a table. Unpleasant :0(...

Chris Plaola

Great place to study! I come here often, and thee is always a place for me to do homework. The entire library is newly renovated, which is really nice. They also have a lot of musical performances in the event rooms near the mall entrance. Wifi is great for a public place! Overall, a great space!

Robert Vanovereem

Love coming here amazing DVD move an the staff are epic as much there for you when need help

Jim Charlton

I have for many years gone to the Hamilton Public Library and have always found the staff helpful, the information there abundant. it has always been a worth while experience.

John Burke

This is hands down the best library in the city due to its sheer size and the variety of facilities it contains (including makers area, music rooms, computer access, archives, etc). It has a safe and welcoming atmosphere and I always find the staff to be pleasant & helpful.

Mr. Shark

A good place to study

Eric W

A very nice library with many choices of book and videos in different languages.

Ted Darling

Nice places to work, great quite places to read. easy to find what you're looking for.

Greg Mills

One of the finest public libraries in Canada, quietly going about its business and supporting and championing the community with up to date acquisitions, extensive community programming - youths, seniors, disabled, disadvantaged -doesn’t matter - this library has provision for all. State of the art checkout and returns. Multi branch holds. Media centre. 3D and large format printers. Tech upon tech. This is what a library should be - where in fact the component pertaining to books and print media is but one part of a cohesive community focused whole that embraces and educates and entertains all.

Scott Skinner

I used the maker space, printed out some gears. Sent in a file for some vinyl prints. Malcolm is the best!

Cat Tuong

Kim tran

ibrahim adam

Perfect place for quiet reading

Kurtis Elsliger

ALWAYS A GREAT PLACE TO GO FOR QUIET TIME

Joe W

Extremely well-resourced library. Great spot to borrow new movies and games, too. I often use my HPL Online to access car repair info, Consumer Reports, and ebooks for my commute.

PryZy

I have been at the library for 2 years the library is huge has friendly staff and the amount of computers is insane 5 stars buddy Youtube GamerX6500

madie makes

Best library in Hamilton. Not too busy, even when computers are full I am never waiting more than 5min for one. Huge place with 4 floors, new media center, piano room. Lots of places to sit and study/ read. Security here is very nice.

Qi Li

Great public space to study. Free wifi is stable at high speed. Huge collection in foreign language books (Chinese, French, Hindi .etc) as well.

Ron J

Nice modern and well stocked library with many community programs for all age groups. Also has an in depth archive of Hamilton history and an English language program

Siz

Good place to study but it closes early on weekends.

Lesley Li

Great public library, friendly staff and customer service. I like practicing in the piano room, awesome Yamaha!

secret hamilton

This Library is a hangout for criminals and crazies. Security is utterly useless. Avoid at all costs if you have anything to live for.

yicheng li

i love this place！

Susie Konkle

Was here this afternoon to pickup book ???? holds ! Wow I feel they’ve taken safety seriously! Ch3ck in at door, barricades around desks, staff pickups your holds for u & computers are Limited to 30 min. Use, & spaced out ! They’ve taken out a lot of computers for public use Sent from my iPad

Tammy Bell

Staff was so helpful to me beautiful library

Alexander Mouriopoulos

Always something interesting to see, do and read. Very helpful staff.

Victoria Zhu

6th floor is a great place to do work with beautiful view, quiet but not extremely quiet!

Jinhee Lee

I've been going to this library for years. They keep up to date with new books and I appreciate their online system- I put holds on books often. The physical space of the library is bright and open, wifi works well. Hamilton won't be the same without this library!

Sarah Yasini

Very nice and big library with a wide range of books and resources.

Mr. Medina

nice to visit

Travis Rose

Great library Since the upgrade, Hamilton's community can enjoy books, free wifi, computers, and even dvd rentals. All at the cost of free. Awesome place! Love it n cgerish it. :) Travis

Brandon Bennett

Luv when my mom and me gave up cable didn't care so much cause u can get movie for and shows well do still have to pay late fees but it's not expensive

Valerie Thomas

The staff is always friendly and helpful

Sarah Mac

Clean environment, big selection, organized and great staff ????

George Baldwin

Staff was very nice and and helpful. Nice clean quiet place to read and use the computer.

George Hall

Always great service.

Ren Park

Books are alright, but some of the staff are just rude, walked in with a backpack. A lady yelled at me for not checking in with a pass, I told her I was not a student. She did not believe me I just showed her my club member ID and she was like "Thank You!"

Faith Ivy

Staff over here are helpful

Aumran Al-Rammahia

It's very nice place to be there the security cruise are very friendly and helpful. The red Christmas Flowers ???? are everywhere in the library good job ????????????they give a very nice view and feeling it's warm like you are in your home. Thank you for your efforts and support and good luck for more development and progression.

Xavier Weisenthal

I'm not at all impressed. The main floor is barely staffed and they have you running around like a chicken with your head cut off to make up for the abandoned desks. Where is everybody?

videok mindenkinek

Hi you have Hungarian books?

Amber Guenette

I like this library, so many books to choose from, the staff is very helpful. I find that the book section is generally well organized and I love that they let you print things for free! The DVD section could be sorted better, but HPL gives you the option to pick things out through their online catalog and they are usually very quick (1-2 days) to get things ready for you unless someone else is using it. Thank you HPL!

World Peace (Daydreamer)

Don't let those Photoshop images fool you. That is not what you will see if you come here. I'm not saying it's a bad place I'm just saying they put photos without people for a reason. So if you're one that considers themselves to be upper class or you think making Hamilton into the new Toronto is "moving in the right direction", I suggest you not come here.

J Rustami

Staff is very friendly..

Shaun Frost

This place is good if you guys try to study on the weekend

Hieu Do

Quiet and expansive. I would like to notify HPL of a mice sighting while I was enjoying a book.

Greg Lucas

The Library Central Branch is located in the Jackson Square. Clean,quiet, Staff is efficient and knowledgeable. Service and selection of books and information is unlimited and accurate.

Lynda Ryan

A big "thank you" to all the wonderful, kind, caring and friendly staff of Hamilton Central Library. And for all your extra help and patience through these troubled times with the Pandemic. Blessings to you all for a beautiful Holiday Season! Sending love and good wishes for a safe, healthy better times ahead in 2022! Kindest respect and regards William and Lynda Ryan

Manny Ferreira

Great people who are eager to help

victor marcel

good al around

Frances Gower

I love visiting HPL. They have wonderful resources. The staff are always so helpful and respectful!

Ricardo Leon Reina. Giraldo

(Translated) Best for collecting great books in all languages (Original) Lo mejor para recoger libros muy buenos en todos los idiomas

Nancy Smith

Very difficult to find,/get a staff member to assist you , they seem to spend most of their time chatting with each other rather then working!

rida Rida

It's a good place to study there

Graham Carroll

Great resource with very helpful staff. Stop into the Local History and Archives Deptartment to learn about Hamilton

Subin Rosa Lee

good internet service and many books what I want to find.

C. B.

Can you please open more libraries on a Sunday. Every library that is open in the Hamilton area on a Sunday are always so packed you can't even find parking (especially Terryberry-can you not see from how busy it is that there is a demand for library space?), and the hours are ridiculous (central is open for 4 hours on Sunday? I mean at least it's open compared to most other branches, but if you have to drive from out of the area because the libraries near you are closed, that really doesn't leave a lot of time for people who require the computers for research or need to do group work! Hamilton is full of students, they require public space to do that work). Your children's sections are in desperate need of help. The content is extremely outdated and there is content full of stereotypes and racial bias. I've lived and worked in many cities and Hamilton has the worst library hours and children's sections, by far! Please make some improvements in these areas. Children and the public deserve better.

Martha Rivas

It was very good

Anarchist Dirt

Fascinated layout, poor selection of books.

Ashley

Great public space to study. Free wifi is stable at high speed. Huge collection of books available. always There is renovation.

Tony Morgan

Awesome, awesome staff. Great to have community activities there too for everyone of all learning levels.

Jams Nuur

The young Latino security guard was following me around, and when I asked her why didn't answer, then I asked her what her name was and she refused to answer me. Asked to talk to a manager and there was no manager. This library is Joke. Was not pleased with the way they treated me will not be going back anytime soon.

Leroy O'Marra

Awsome

Alison Ropp

Best library

Paul Consiglio

I love this library and it has such an extensive collection of new and old books, CDs, DVDs and Blurays movies. It's quite a peaceful place to sit and read and collect your thoughts.