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Newcomer Learning Centre at Hamilton Public Library serves people who are new to Canada.
Services include:
- English language tutoring
- Conversation circles
- English programming for seniors
- Print and non-print material for learners and teachers
- Volunteer opportunities in partnership with Newcomers to Canada
Due to COVID-19 precautions, all Library programs and group activities are cancelled. Bookmobiles, Extended Access, Study Halls and Visiting Library Service are also suspended. Online services are available.
Hamilton Public Library offers makerspaces at select branches. These spaces offer equipment to allow customers to create and edit digital photos and video, use Adobe Creative Suite, play and record music. Some spaces provide access to specialized printers.
A list of participating library branches and available equipment can be found on the website.
Online services available here: Online Services
Questions regarding online services and other matters are answered through ASKHPL at: Book an Appointment
Provides library materials to Hamilton residents who are unable to get out to use the library or make use of its services on their own. Library staff select materials based on participants' needs and interests. A Visiting Library Service volunteer, family member, or friend delivers the materials and collects materials for return every 4 weeks.
Due to COVID-19 precautions, all Library programs and group activities are cancelled. Bookmobiles, Extended Access, Study Halls and Visiting Library Service are also suspended. Online services are available.
Hamilton Public Library offers makerspaces at select branches. These spaces offer equipment to allow customers to create and edit digital photos and video, use Adobe Creative Suite, play and record music. Some spaces provide access to specialized printers.
A list of participating library branches and available equipment can be found on the website.
Due to COVID-19 precautions, all Library programs and group activities are cancelled. Bookmobiles, Extended Access, Study Halls and Visiting Library Service are also suspended. Online services are available.
Hamilton Public Library offers makerspaces at select branches. These spaces offer equipment to allow customers to create and edit digital photos and video, use Adobe Creative Suite, play and record music. Some spaces provide access to specialized printers.
A list of participating library branches and available equipment can be found on the website.
For a list of general OPL services, see here
Branch Specific Services:
* Accessible Collections & Services
Meeting Space
* when not required for library use, select rooms are available for rental to individuals, groups and organizations
* discount rate for non-profits
* visit here for more information and to book
Designated as a local cooling centre during times of extreme heat and a warming centre during times of extreme cold
* if you are unable to come into the library in person, you may be eligible for OPL's Delivery by Mail option
* please email oplbymail@oakville.ca or contact your local branch to find out if you qualify
* restricted to a maximum of two (2) books per package, 2 packages per month per customer
Connection Kits
* offering two types of connection kits, a Tablet + Wifi Kit or an Accessible Reading Tablet
* these kits are to help Oakville residents who are 55+ and do not have access to the internet or technology, stay connected with friends and family and to access alternate formats of reading material for those with print disabilities
* to learn more, please call your local branch for more information
MagnusCards
* the MagnusCards app is designed to help individuals with autism or other special needs interact independently and with confidence in the Oakville community
* users can follow guides to library services by downloading the app for free through the App Store or on Google Play
Reading Aides
* Kurzweil Reading Machines available at Woodside and Central Branch
* ZoomText: a screen magnification software that allows customers to view the library catalogue and the internet in large print available at Woodside and Central Branch
* SmartView: a magnifier that enhances all reading materials (magazines, newspapers, photographs, bills) is available at the Woodside Branch only
* VictorReader: a Daisy disc player
Centre for Equitable Library Access (CELA) Resources
* through a partnership with the CNIB/CELA library, Woodside Branch is able to access the collections and services of the CNIB/CELA library on behalf of CNIB/CELA clients and Special Services customers
* collections of the CNIB/CELA library include Braille, Talking Books and magazines, electronic text and descriptive videos
The Friends of the Oakville Public Library (FOL) is a group of volunteers, dedicated to enhancing library programs and services within the community, who raise funds for the library through book sales and other activities, which helps to develop and enhance various programs and services offered within the library, and expand services and spaces beyond what the operating budgets cover
Book Sales
- for more information, visit the Friends of the OPL Website
Friendly Finds
- available at all Branches (for more information visit Friends of the OPL website)
- gently used materials - books, audio books and audio-visual materials, in great condition, available for sale
Volunteer Opportunities
- Book Sale Volunteers - sorters, setup, logistics, cashiers and tear-down (adult & youth)
- FOL Committee Members (adult)
- Sorters - sort donations year-round (adult & youth)
- for more information, visit the Volunteer website
Book Donations
- accepting books or audio-visual materials in good condition that can be resold
- please note that donated material is not added to library collection and tax receipts are not issued for donations (for more information visit OPL Collections Development Policy)
- donations are only accepted at Central Branch, during branch open hours
- for information about acceptable materials, visit the Donations website
Provides public access to information and resources for individual enrichment, education, recreation and entertainment
Collections
- fiction and non fiction titles (books, downloadable e-books and audiobooks, music, digital magazines, games and DVDs, movies and TV shows)
- self study and research collections, print and electronic
- adult and children's multilingual collections
- Interlibrary Loans available
- contact-less and express borrowing are also available
More Than Books
- online resource databases
- Conservation Halton & Provincial Park Passes
- loan-able Recreation, Sports and Book Club Kits
- Seed Library
In-Branch Technology
- Public Access Computers
- Printing
- Wireless Internet
- Laptops
- Creation Zone Technologies
- 3D Printing
- Light Therapy Lamps
Loan-able Technology
- Laptops (in-branch use)
- WiFi Hot-spots
- Tablets
- Osmos
- Tinker Toys
Programs & Events
- offering fun, entertaining and educational programming and events for people of all ages
- in-branch, virtual and outdoor programming, varies by branch
- see here for upcoming programs and events
Newcomer Programs
- visit the Newcomer Programs listing to learn more
Special Services
- Accessible Collections & Services
- OPL Express
- Information Oakville
- Friends of the Library
- Community Food Programs
For a listing of library locations and branch specific services, see here
For a list of general OPL services, see here
Branch Specific Services:
* Community Food Corner
* Creation Zone
* Newcomer Programs
Meeting Space
* when not required for library use, select rooms are available for rental to individuals, groups and organizations
* discount rate for non-profits
* visit here for more information and to book
Designated as a local cooling centre during times of extreme heat and a warming centre during times of extreme cold
The Friends of the Oakville Public Library (FOL) is a group of volunteers, dedicated to enhancing library programs and services within the community, who raise funds for the library through book sales and other activities, which helps to develop and enhance various programs and services offered within the library, and expand services and spaces beyond what the operating budgets cover
Book Sales
- for more information, visit the Friends of the OPL Website
Friendly Finds
- available at all Branches (for more information visit Friends of the OPL website)
- gently used materials - books, audio books and audio-visual materials, in great condition, available for sale
Volunteer Opportunities
- Book Sale Volunteers - sorters, setup, logistics, cashiers and tear-down (adult & youth)
- FOL Committee Members (adult)
- Sorters - sort donations year-round (adult & youth)
- for more information, visit the Volunteer website
Book Donations
- accepting books or audio-visual materials in good condition that can be resold
- please note that donated material is not added to library collection and tax receipts are not issued for donations (for more information visit OPL Collections Development Policy)
- donations are only accepted at Central Branch, during branch open hours
- for information about acceptable materials, visit the Donations website
Provides public access to information and resources for individual enrichment, education, recreation and entertainment
Collections
- fiction and non fiction titles (books, downloadable e-books and audiobooks, music, digital magazines, games and DVDs, movies and TV shows)
- self study and research collections, print and electronic
- adult and children's multilingual collections
- Interlibrary Loans available
- contact-less and express borrowing are also available
More Than Books
- online resource databases
- Conservation Halton & Provincial Park Passes
- loan-able Recreation, Sports and Book Club Kits
- Seed Library
In-Branch Technology
- Public Access Computers
- Printing
- Wireless Internet
- Laptops
- Creation Zone Technologies
- 3D Printing
- Light Therapy Lamps
Loan-able Technology
- Laptops (in-branch use)
- WiFi Hot-spots
- Tablets
- Osmos
- Tinker Toys
Programs & Events
- offering fun, entertaining and educational programming and events for people of all ages
- in-branch, virtual and outdoor programming, varies by branch
- see here for upcoming programs and events
Newcomer Programs
- visit the Newcomer Programs listing to learn more
Special Services
- Accessible Collections & Services
- OPL Express
- Information Oakville
- Friends of the Library
- Community Food Programs
For a listing of library locations and branch specific services, see here