Spotlight on HPL
Let’s talk about the Hamilton Public Library! Many of us spent a lot of time at libraries as kids, but I think the full range of services they offer are often overlooked by adults. HPL has so much more than books; it’s a great place to pick up a hobby or skill, pursue your interests, bring your family, and get involved in your community. Here are just some of the things available at the HPL with a library card.
Access to Newspapers & Magazines
Including local journalism from The Hamilton Spectator and international publications like the New York Times.
This is one of HPL’s best services for creatives. Use your card to get access to Adobe Creative Cloud, record and mix your own music in a sound studio, try out embroidery design, a cricut, or even a 3D printer.
Get help with your job search with resources from Brainfuse or add to your resume with new skills from courses on Linkedin Learning (previously Lynda.com)
Computer Access, Print, Copy & Scan
Public computers are available at all branches. Library card holders can access the internet as well as print, copy and scan (first 10 black and white pages each day are free).
Use your library card to access the City of Hamilton’s civic museums including Dundurn Castle, Battlefield Museum, Whitehern, and the Museum of Steam and Technology.
Bring your early readers to the library for storytime,get older kids involved in the Summer Reading Club or STREAM labs (science, tech, reading, engineering, art and math).
HPL has a full calendar of events on just about every topic – author events, french conversation circles, yoga classes, lego club, and financial education just to name a few.
Of course the library has physical books, but you can also borrow audiobooks through the app Libby and play them right off your phone.
Borrow DVDs and blu-ra or stream free films and television shows with access to Kanopy. Has a great selection of independent and international films that you can’t find on the big streaming services.
And of course, books galore! If this hasn’t convinced you to get a library card or start using your more, this is just scratching the surface of what’s on at HPL. Browse the website or visit your local branch for more.
