I love going to the Hamilton Public Library, central branch on York Blvd. It has a clean, bright and welcoming atmosphere with plenty variety of media to browse and/or borrow. The library is several storeys tall with I think 5 floors each one offering something different and worth visiting. One of the floors has a 3D printer which I've heard nothing but good things about as well as classes/workshops in other areas of the library and also a bookclub amongst plenty of other things I probably don't even know of yet. I still haven't explored fully the first 3 floors after coming to this library for 6 years. I plan to start coming frequently again like I used to before the pandemic now that it seems to be back to being fully operational, as far as I can tell anyway. My gripe about Hamilton's Public Library is basically the business hours that it's open for each day has never seemed to be long enough I feel like the public would benefit from having more abundant and open access to libraries. In an ideal world for me the library would be open 24/7 but then I might never leave ! Also what I enjoy about the library is that it's gotten a lot better in terms of things I used to be exposed to within the library on a daily basis ie, violence, overdoses, those in complete drug psychosis behaving erratically and police having to come... I feel like events such as those have decreased by a lot since when i first began visiting circa 2016! Maybe better management looking over library? Or changed /improved attitudes and treatment of people who just need help by the staff and security?Better training of staff? Less stigma in the community in general since the pandemic as it seems almost everyone can relate to deep struggle in some form which changes how people view people, and how individuals view the world, and how the world views individual's... all in all what I'm essentially saying is the cental library is unfortunately located in a prime struggle zone in this city where you'll find a lot of people who struggle and you'll see struggle everywhere you look around here and for the library to be this bright clean positive ray of sunshine amongst such a dark doomed impoverished sickly broken wretched communit/ neighborhood surrounding it.. Says it all right there.. The library is the place to be, when everywhere else you go in life has you beyond stressed everywhere you turn. Visit the library! Every person is gauranteed to find something worth their visit and time no matter who you are or what you're into. It's not just books there!

Because of COVID preventing the busmobile from coming to my stop, I come here instead; even though it's not close to my home, it's the closest to my home. I love the light and openness of the environment, and the convenience of the elevators. I no longer have to use a library computer to access the internet, but I can see that the system has greatly improved, there are more computers, the workstations are better...I'm impressed. The staff are kind and polite, they do their best to help you when you have a question, whether you ask in person or over the phone. I'm not crazy about how security didn't seem too concerned when I reported how the bathroom was being used as a drug drop location, but hopefully they've got an eye on that situation now. I'm glad that they seem to be accepting Suggestions for Purchase again. There have been times when they're missing the middle novel from a trilogy, for example. So I'm glad to see that option back on the website. Overall, a good selection of books and DVDs (I don't go there for anything else), and I'm not sure if interlibrary loans are back yet, but if not, I'm sure they will be eventually. COVID has placed restraints on all of us.

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!

I am a frequent visitor to this library as I use this as my go-to study place. I really appreciate how this space is providing so many facilities to the community, with a large collection of books, computers, WiFi, printing services and other activities in house such as the music rooms and game rooms. But the most disappointing thing for me is that even in the area which is named as ''Quiet study'' there are people, often groups who just come to chit chat and talk loudly over the phone. I have changed my seats multiple times or left the library because the people sitting in the neighboring tables were too loud. This applies to both adults and young students, foreign and native. I hope library staff would monitor the space more frequently (they don't really do that at all) or at least hang signs/posters informing people about library etiquette.

City of Hamilton have poorly equipped library and this location is One of the unfriendly places!! Kids area should have friendly staff not mean and rude who is ready to lecture! My experience has been very bad and almost every single person I met there complained about same things and end up trying other locations or quitting and resort to other services. Other public library have friendly, nice, inviting and engaging staff who can joke and play and help kids. Someplace had tent, toys and building magnets.. Please staff member of this library visit other cities like Cambridge and see for yourself. If you can’t be friendly, then please stay home and don’t be near our children. Sincerely, Disappointed parent. Ps at this location, some members - old lady- can yell at your children if they get excited- I’m talking 3-4 years old.

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

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

It’s a public library and, being downtown, it means that it does more than just provides books and a quiet place for the community. It means it provides temporary shelter from the elements and a place to charge a phone or access the internet to some people who don’t have that elsewhere. So, yes, the first floor isn’t very quiet—people can be loudly speaking on the phone even—but if that bothers you, the other floors are usually more quiet. Collections are great. There’s natural light in plenty of places, and a variety of seating options. Wifi is reliable. The librarians are all super nice and friendly, and the HPL network is very active, they have a bunch of events so don’t forget to check that out too.

The security will not do anything until someone complains about persecution and noise pollution. In your opinion, how many out of ten people are willing to complain? And how many people leave the library without complaining? And they may prefer to never come to this library again. I am giving 2 stars for the security's weak reaction against addicted people and those who are talking and laughing very loudly and they make the environment dirty, they play music loudly. I think the security should be more strict to make the library a safe and quiet place for students and those who are going to study there.

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.

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!

I come to this location periodically, normally staying for a good few hours to sit and read. Large selection of content and staff is helpful. Unfortunately my last visit i decided to ride my bike there, i locked it up to the bike lock by the main door and i come back out a few hours later to find my brand new bike locked attempted to be cut. Its not the library's fault but its not a safe area with all the homeless people. Something either gets stolen, your asked for a cigarette or asked if you want to buy drugs... For that it gets maybe 3 stars. Increase your safety please.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The Hamilton library is simply amazing! It's the biggest library I've ever been to, with a fantastic collection of books. The best part is the availability of numerous computers for public use. As a video creator, the green room is an absolute gem for me. It's a perfect space to shoot videos, and the fact that it's free to use is unbelievable. The library offers a wide variety of books, catering to all interests and age groups. Whether you're a bookworm, a student, or a content creator, this library has it all. Highly recommended for anyone in Hamilton!

I visit often and it's a pretty good place to read and study. Wonderful staff. I usually have to move to a different area at least twice per visit because someone starts to watch a movie or listening to music on their tablets or phones. Sure wish the library had a headphone or earbud enforcement policy. Security is doing an amazing job, especially at the end of the month when the library is daycare for meth-heads. Only having two washrooms open has really helped to keep this problem to a minimum.

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.

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 ...

It's location is a central town area accessible to many from all directions. Inside, expect to find a spacious & resourceful venue suitable for readers of all ages and moods. I liked the upper floors, which have a more silent atmosphere that best fit for a more focused attention. The internet services, the lighting, and the friendly approaches of the library staff are hilarious. I wish the library has more open hours, e.g., extending to Saturday evenings.

It's a beautiful library. I love the huge space, its cleanness, and its seeming safety. It has a large selection of reading and entertainment material, great modern facilities, and helpful staff. BUT!, I cannot for the life of me understand how so much loud chattering and loud music from mobile phones can be tolerated in ANY library. This is violently antithetical to the peace and quiet that libraries are, or should be, known for!!! Do better!!!

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!

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!

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!

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

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.

Best Library in Ontario. Supports the community in many ways -- Free WiFi, computers, tax forms, ebooks, educational materials, programs and entertainment in a time when people need a lift. Very friendly and helpful staff. Large selection of new Movies and books.They have a great computer lab among other things. Great place to visit with the family.

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.

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.

Great place. This is library with so many programs running through out the year. For adults, for youth and for kids. Books, CDs and most importantly the staff is so helpful. Large place, plenty of books and helping people make this place the best Library. Thank you for everything from this Library.

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!

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 …

One of the best libraries I've ever been to. Genuinely a great space for quiet study, for collaboration, for anything. Book selection is fine, the only thing I find it's lacking is the graphic novels section, but everything else is well-stacked and the self service tech is really good

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!

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.

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!

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!"

If you need a circuit machine or a 3D print they offer that, also you can use the computers and print up to 10 pages free daily. Books lots of books. Also if you have any overdue everyone was granted a clean slate. So you can start fresh with a new card.

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.

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.

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(...

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.

The library is the best quiet place to get your important work fone orbyo think through your problems and yo vome up with a solution . Try it and you see that I am RIGHT!"; HOOD LUCK! KIND REGARDS ,, DANICA …

Nice environment and a good place to visit. I experienced a lots of movements of homeless people inside the library, washrooms and occupying independent study tables. Government should take care of these people.

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

Beautiful library. Love that it has so much glass and so spacious. It's also clean and feels safe. Keep up with great city improvements like this and Hamilton will be the premiere city to visit and live!

Great space, lots of activities, professional and helping staff. Internet speed is up to 10Mbps. Access is free but if you want all features - you'll need a photo ID and Hamilton residency proof.

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.

Library's are changing and Hamilton Library's are no different. They have 3D printers, a green room to shoot videos, and a even a music recording studio (mind you it's small but pretty cool).

There has been people in the study area that come to socialize. Talk & laugh so loud, cannot concentrate. Library staff needs to monitor it once in a while & tell them to be quiet or leave

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.

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

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.

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.

It's amazing to be, it's the best place with so many welcoming people and very respectfully the workers,it's amazing to be here the whole day experience reading books and computers.

It's not a library, it's a insainasilum insaynasilum. Librarians are loud on phone. Noisy hurting people running ‍♀️ around. Lying on the floor. Sleeping. No sign of security. …

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.

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.

Huge beautiful space with a great selection of books, a rentable piano room, huge beautiful plants, cheap printing, and all kinds of community events. What a great library space.

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.

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

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.

Yesterday I was greatly helped to print tag on my phone by kind, blond hair lady downstairs. Not very unusual at this location which is my favourite place. Thank you!

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.

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!

You can take upto 20 pages black and white printouts per day here. I think that's great help for people in need !! Staff is also very friendly and helpful !!

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. …

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

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

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

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!

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.. ^_^

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.

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

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

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

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

Library offers so many services. Hours are good. Membership is free and one can borrow number of articles at the same time.

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

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

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

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

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

Great to get away from wherever unless you're being stalked inside of course. Be weary of people.

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

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

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

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

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

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

My daughter loves going to read books, they have a small play area and a area to colour.

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

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

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

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

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

The library staff were super helpful in finding books my son would like.

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

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

You don't seem to like books these days but I don't like book either

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

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

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