Library card required to enter Hamilton’s Central Library starting March 16

A big change is coming to Hamilton Central Library. Starting March 16, visitors will need a library card just to enter the building.

Library officials say it’s a response to growing safety concerns — but the move is also sparking debate about access to public space.

The Hamilton Public Library’s central branch has long been an inclusive place people can walk into to read, study and use a computer.

But starting March 16, you’ll need a library card to get through the doors.

Visitors will have to scan a valid Hamilton Public Library card when they enter. Library leaders say the change comes after months of growing safety concerns at the downtown branch.

“The last few months have really been very problematic for us. A lot of people aren’t coming into the library right now because of what’s going on on York Boulevard and the library,” said Paul Takala, CEO and chief librarian at Hamilton Public Library.

A cold winter, full shelters and the closure of supervised injection sites have pushed more people to seek warmth at the downtown library.

Staff say they’re dealing more often with overdoses and mental health crises, making it harder to serve everyone.

Takala tells CHCH News there have been more than 100 paramedic calls in the first five weeks of the year, with staff administering naloxone 40 times.

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A couple of weeks ago, weekday opening times were pushed back to 9 a.m., and Sunday hours were cut.

Downtown residents have mixed feelings about the new check-in system.

“I support it because if it means that you can stay safe, then I would rather have that,” said a local resident.

“I have very conflicting feelings about it, to be honest. I work with a lot of unhoused people and this is a public space and I think they should have access to it — but I also understand the misuse of property,” said another resident.

CUPE 932 — which represents library workers — says it has “deep misgivings” about the plan, citing both access concerns for marginalized groups and worker safety.

“We need a solution to the many overlapping crises that are happening in our communities, because whether we as a library are able to manage our own spaces, those crises will continue to happen outside of our doors,” said Lisa Hunt, president of CUPE 932 for Hamilton Public Library workers.

The library board is expected to formally approve the plan at a meeting on March 11.

“Really what we’re trying to do is just put in a test for a couple of months — it’s actually a two-month trial, pilot — see how that changes the dynamic,” said Takala.

Takala says the library is still open to everyone. If you’re a Hamilton resident and don’t have a traditional ID, you can bring other documents and still get an access card.

The idea, Takala says, is simple — if you’re coming into the library, you just need to identify yourself and be accountable for your behaviour.

For now, library officials hope the card-scan system will help keep the doors open, while making the space safer for everyone who uses it.

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