Downtown ACORN stood with Library Workers to Oppose the Central Library Carding Pilot
Posted June 18, 2026
In March 2026, Hamilton Public Library introduced several measures at the Central Library that restricted how people could access and use the downtown branch. These changes included Sunday closures and a three-month “safety” pilot that required patrons to show a library card or provide proof of residence to obtain one before entering the building.
The Downtown Hamilton ACORN chapter voted to take a public stance on this issue because the library is an important community space. We table at the library every other week, many of our members are current or former library workers, and many others rely on the library every day for internet access, community resources, and a safe public space.
Downtown ACORN joined CUPE Local 932, the library workers’ union, Hamilton Encampment Support Network (HESN), and other community allies in opposing the carding policy, which excluded community members from accessing what should be an open and welcoming public space. ACORN’s demands were that the library management end the carding policy, restore Sunday service so working people and families could access the library, and ensure the library remained accessible as a heating and cooling centre during periods of extreme weather.
On June 18th, the Library Board met to receive the final report on the three-month carding pilot. Ahead of the meeting, ACORN joined library workers, HESN, and other allies at the “Libraries Are for Everyone” rally outside the library on York Blvd. The meeting saw a record number of public delegations opposing the pilot. Downtown ACORN Co-Chair Marc spoke at the rally and addressed the Library Board on behalf of ACORN, reinforcing our demands and highlighting the importance of keeping public libraries accessible to everyone.
Although the Library Board voted to accept the safety pilot report despite overwhelming public opposition to the carding policy, with community pressure, the Hamilton Public Library announced that Sunday service would be restored and confirmed that the Central Library would continue to operate as a cooling centre during the summer.
