The Library Board’s monthly meeting agenda for May consists mostly of housekeeping items, routine policy reviews, and updates.
Of note in the agenda: the Board will approve a “replacement fee” policy to be levied on account holders who have overdue items more than 28 days past the final due date, an information item regarding the theft of a TD Bank ATM from the lobby of the Carlisle library branch, and a $50,000 donation for the Dundas Branch.
The meeting begins at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday in the boardroom on the fifth floor of the Central Library. (Here is the link for the agenda and live stream.)
HPL Struggling with Long Overdue Items Post-Elimination of Fines
A quarter of all materials currently on loan from the Hamilton Public Library are more than 28 days overdue. This challenge has grown since the library eliminated late fees in 2020.
In 2022, the Library reported a 295 percent increase in “long overdue” items.
At the time, 17 percent of borrowed materials were long overdue.
Using the 2020 baseline, the Library has experienced a 400 percent increase in long overdue items since eliminating late fines.
If approved by the Board, beginning in June, the HPL will apply a nominal “replacement fee” for items not returned 28 days past their final due date. “These charges would apply only to items deemed lost and would be removed upon the return of the item in good condition.”
$50,000 Donation for the Dundas Branch
In an information report, the Library reports receiving a $50,000 donation “directed for the Dundas Branch.”
The Library is using the funds to add a large-format printer and a vinyl printer/cutter for the Makerspace ($20,000), $18,000 to support STEAM programming through technology upgrades, interactive learning kits, and tools that foster innovation and inclusion, and $12,000 to enrich children’s spaces with engaging play structures, furniture, and manipulatives, ensuring a dynamic exploration and social connection environment.
ATM Thief at Carlisle Branch Causes Damage to Lobby
On April 24 at 11:15 PM, the Carlisle Branch experienced a theft involving a TD Bank
ATM. This incident damaged the entrance lobby door frame, the lobby wall
The library branch building was donated by TD Bank shortly after they ended banking operations at the location.
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Published: May 18, 2025
Last updated: May 18, 2025
Author: Joey Coleman
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