The Hamilton Public Library (HPL) Central branch has relocated its children’s section to the second floor of the downtown facility. Construction is underway to create a permanent children’s space, with funding allocated in the 2028 or 2029 budget.
The move follows a winter crisis marked by significant disorder and indoor drug use that triggered a sharp decline in parents visiting the branch with their children. In February, the Library Board heard about the crisis and seriously considered a temporary closure of the entire Central branch in response.
Rather than close the facility entirely, HPL opted to relocate the section and implement a mandatory library card check-in pilot at the downtown branch.
The relocation is funded by $200,000 in Ward 2 area-rated funds, allocated following a May 2025 HPL Board meeting when HPL first signalled the section might need to move due to adult disruptions. The funds were originally earmarked to enhance safety and access control to the first-floor section, to permit the HPL time to plan the future second-floor area. This winter’s crisis prompted an immediate decision to relocate instead.
HPL Director of Facilities Chad Roglich said initial designs for first-floor safety mitigations “missed the mark,” failing to adequately address the disruptions that were driving families away from the branch.
Relocation construction work began on March 31 and is expected to be completed by the end of April. A temporary children’s area is currently operating on the second floor during construction. The interim section will open officially in May.
The interim second-floor space will not include dedicated washrooms. The future permanent children’s area will feature dedicated washrooms, a nursing room, and other amenities tailored for children.
“We know we’ve got some capital funds in future years, 2028-2029, to create a permanent children’s area in this location,” Roglich said.
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Published: April 12, 2026
Last updated: April 12, 2026
Author: Joey Coleman
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