Hamilton Public Library Customers Welcome
Hamilton Public Library (HPL) is currently experiencing extensive service disruptions due to a cybersecurity-related outage at the City of Hamilton. Everyone is always welcome at Burlington Public Library’s branches, and this includes HPL customers who require services that are currently unavailable at their home library. For up-to-date information about this service disruption, visit hpl.ca
We have seen an increase in questions about what’s available to HPL customers when they visit us. Here are some of the options:
Register Your HPL Card With BPL as a Reciprocal Borrower
Customers can bring their HPL card (or barcode number) and ID to a BPL branch to have it registered in our system. They will then be able to use that HPL card to access public computers and borrow physical materials like books and DVDs. This reciprocal partnership between our libraries is ongoing and is not limited to the duration of the outage.
For HPL Customers Who Don’t Have a Library Card
Customers from Hamilton who don’t have an HPL card or card number can access public computers at BPL with a limited “connect card” or a guest pass. Please ask a staff member about this. These options only provide access to public computers and can’t be used for borrowing.
Getting a Burlington Public Library Card
Beyond living in Burlington, those who work, go to school, or own property in Burlington are eligible for a BPL card. Please bring proof of employment address, school enrolment, or a property tax payment if you are eligible for these options.
Anyone who does not meet these criteria has the option to purchase an annual BPL membership for $63. This offers full borrowing privileges, with full access to online resources, including OverDrive and the Libby app. This fee equals the yearly amount the City of Burlington contributes on behalf of each resident to support the Library's annual operating budget.
Printing at BPL
Burlington Public Library charges small printing and copying fees, which support our annual operating budget. You can find a list of these on the Printing page of our website
If these fees are a barrier for you, please speak with a staff member.
Access to OverDrive and Libby
Access to the Libby app and its parent platform, OverDrive, have been affected by HPL’s service disruptions. As of March 1, HPL members can access HPL's OverDrive/Libby collection without verifying their account. But they cannot access the collections of partner libraries—Burlington, London, Kingston Frontenac, Mississauga, and Ottawa. This is because the app cannot verify card details by pinging HPL's customer database right now, even if you have linked your HPL card with a partner library. Unfortunately, we cannot fix this access for you.
If you are a BPL member, you can still access items from HPL’s OverDrive/Libby collection because your card is being verified through BPL’s system.
Welcome Neighbours!
We do not yet know the expected duration of this outage. Please check hpl.ca for the latest information. Customers can also call 289.779.7588 to speak with HPL staff.
To our loyal BPL customers—our branches may be slightly busier than usual as we support additional HPL customers. Please join us in welcoming our Golden Horseshoe neighbours.
