The following are my (Joey Coleman) live posts as published on my BlueSky account during the March 11, 2026 Hamilton Public Library Board of Directors meeting.
The meeting was primarily focused on approving a new access policy for the Central library branch in Downtown Hamilton.
I livestreamed the meeting on YouTube.
I’ve also posted extended video clips on Facebook:
- Long-time Hamilton Public Library Board Member, citizen volunteer Nick van Velzen’s speech, “We can be a library or we can be a safe consumption site. We cannot be both; they cannot coexist.”
- Ward 2 Councillor Cameron Kroetsch explaining why he voted against the new Central Library access policy. “We don’t have the data to back up doing it.”
- Ward 15 Councillor Ted McMeekin’s post-meeting comments. “This isn’t just a library problem. This is a challenge that our city is facing and struggling with.”
- Video of the 7-2 vote approving the access policy.
Liveposts Replay:
5:42 PM: Good evening. I’m at the Hamilton Public Library Board of Directors. As many of you are aware, I’m the only person who consistently covers the Library. On tonight’s agenda: proposed access policy for the Central Library. They are expecting many people to attend. Doors open at 545pm #yhmcc #HamOnt
5:45 PM: It sounds like there will be some amendments to the policy. Here’s my first report on the issue: https://thepublicrecord.ca/2026/03/hamilton-public-library-will-require-valid-library-cards-to-enter-downtown-branch-starting-march-16/
5:49 PM: I will be streaming tonight’s Hamilton Library Board meeting on YouTube here, I will go live a few minutes before the meeting begins. #yhmcc #HamOnt
6:07 PM: Library Board members state they received emails from “advocacy groups” to their personal work email addresses. They felt this was harassing, it crossed a line. HPL Board members are citizen volunteers. #yhmcc
6:10 PM: Gessie Sterns, a PhD candidate in social work at McMaster University, is the first delegate of the evening. She is requesting the Library Board not enact the Central Library access policy, and that the Board advocate for provincial policy changes. #yhmcc
6:25 PM: CUPE 932 President Lisa Hunt is speaking as a delegate. 932 represents library workers. Says library card requirement is “carding” and harms the “marginalized”. Union calls for managers to be assigned to work in a support role at Central Library. Says having “barriers” will be working at risk #yhmcc
6:27 PM: Union prez Lisa Hunt acknowledges that management has taken some measures in response to the crisis at Central Library, says more can and should be done to support workers and increase staffing at Central.
6:41 PM: Delegate from the group Library Workers for Supervised Consumption Sites was heard by the Board.
6:44 PM: HPL Chief Librarian Paul Takala now presenting the staff report explaining why they are recommending the new library card requirement to enter the Central Library. He states drug dealing is occurring, discarded drugs left in spaces, and this is creating risk for workers and library patrons. #yhmcc
6:51 PM: Takala emphasising that the Hamilton Library has a barrier-free library card, that nobody is denied access to library services, and the only restrictions will be those who use drugs or have serious behavioural violations. Emphasising, again, that parents are not bringing children to the library #yhmcc
6:53 PM: Takala notes that individuals in recovery from drug addiction cannot use the Central library right now due to the amount of open drug use in the facility.
7:00 PM: Ward 2 Clr Cameron Kroetsch (who represents the Downtown area) asks questions regarding Library response to drug use inside Central branch, and if the crisis is abating with warmer weather. Says he is trying to understand the scope of the incidents and severity of the issue. #yhmcc
7:21 PM: Staff presentation is complete. Library Board is now onto main debate regarding the Central Library access policy. #yhmcc #HamOnt
7:24 PM: AMENDMENT on the floor that the Library consult with community organizations/partners regarding the impact of the new Central Library access policy. #yhmcc
7:26 PM: Chief Librarian says Mayor Andrea Horwath has reached out to offer government relations support to the Library. #yhmcc
7:29 PM: Note regarding the amendment, it is to implement the access policy next Monday, and do engagement/feedback during the access policy pilot. #yhmcc
7:34 PM: Ward 2 Clr Cameron Kroetsch moves to defer the vote on the implementation of an access policy for Central Library pending further community consultation. #yhmcc
7:37 PM: Chief Librarian Takala says next week is March Break and he believes action is needed to prevent drug use in the library before parents and children arrive for programming. [Next week is also Disney on Ice at the Coliseum next door] #yhmcc
7:48 PM: HPL Board Member Kojo Damptey is seconding Kroetsch’s motion not to implement a Central Library access policy, have more consultation. Says the Library needs to lead in creating a world where everyone is welcome regardless of their circumstances. #yhmcc
7:50 PM: Two citizen Library Board members state that a policy is needed today, that open drug use and drug dealing needs to be prevented inside the Library. This is going to a split vote. #yhmcc
7:52 PM: Clr Kroetsch states his goal today is to not implement the Central Library access policy. That he wants more engagement and consultation. #yhmcc
8:03 PM: VOTE — Kroetsch’s motion to NOT implement the Central Library access policy, and to do more consultation, FAILS 4-6. Kroetsch and Clr Ted McMeekin voted for Kroetsch’s motion. #yhmcc #HamOnt [Main vote is pending, this was an amendment]
8:11 PM: Now onto the main motion debate. Citizen Mbr Kojo Damptey asking questions regarding how he believes this policy will not address drug-use and distribution at Central Library. #yhmcc
8:41 PM: The vote should be occurring momentarily. I will be post this as a primary update, not in the thread.
8:57 PM: Policy is passed. 7-2. Hamilton Library Board approves a new Library card access (or guest pass) check policy for Central Library. PASSES 7-2. Ward 2 Clr Kroetsch opposed. Ward 15 Clr Ted McMeekin in favour. #yhmcc #HamOnt
Production Details
v. 1.0.0
Published: March 16, 2026
Last updated: March 16, 2026
Author: Joey Coleman
Update Record
v. 1.0.0 original version