
Did you know that students, staff, and faculty have access to McMaster University Libraries and its resources during the summer?
"We’re open, and ready to serve the McMaster community,” said Crystal Mills, head of access services. “The university libraries have materials, equipment, and specialized spaces to help with academics, and to encourage users to explore a variety of interests.”
Below are 10 cool things the McMaster community should consider checking out at the university libraries this summer.
Book displays and collections
The university libraries have multiple collections, curated to help users find their next read.
Patrons can find inspiration in one of the frequently updated themed book displays set up in Mills, Thode and Health Sciences libraries, in the popular reading collection located in Mills Learning Commons, and in the many digital featured collections available online.
The loan period for students, faculty, and staff is 120 days with unlimited renewals and includes materials borrowed from partner institutions through Omni.
To discover books in the digital featured collections, visit the library website or stop by the lobbies of our libraries.
Lyons New Media Centre
Lyons New Media Centre specializes in helping users with media-related projects.
Located on the fourth floor of Mills Memorial Library, the space offers access to camera and audio equipment, studio spaces, and a variety of media software that is typically paywalled, such as Adobe Creative Cloud.
Studio spaces including the podcast studio, two audio recording booths, the media production room and the virtual reality (VR) studio require advanced booking. Those who wish to book time in the VR studio must complete the required online training to be allowed access to the equipment.
During the summer, Lyons New Media Centre is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Thursday, and 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. on Fridays. To learn more, visit the library website.
Thode Makerspace
Thode Makerspace, located on the lower level of H.G. Thode Library of Science and Engineering, is home to a wide variety of equipment to help patrons bring their creative visions to life.
Staff are trained and eager to assist users with creative projects that require access to specialized tools and equipment housed in the space, including 3D printers, laser cutters, woodworking tools, sewing machines, and more.
Before visiting for the first time, users must complete the required training to ensure safety standards are met. After completing the training, users will be given a training card to present at future visits.
Thode Makerspace is open 12-4 p.m. during the summer months. To learn more, visit the library website.
William Ready Division of Archives and Research Collections
The William Ready Division of Archives and Research Collections is home to nearly five kilometers of archives and more than 100,000 books, including nearly 40,000 books published before the year 1800.
Located on the lower level of Mills library, the Division is open to the public, allowing access to rare and unique items held in the collection. Before visiting, patrons are asked to fill out the materials request form on the library website to indicate when they will be visiting and which materials they would like to see.
The university libraries’ archives and research collections is open during the summer, Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. To learn more about The William Ready Division of Archives and Research Collections, visit the library website.
Lloyd Reeds Map Collection
The Lloyd Reeds Map Collection, located on the first floor of Mills library, serves the McMaster community and beyond by providing access to thousands of maps, aerial photos, plans, and other cartographic materials.
The current collection holds more than 130,000 paper maps, 18,000 aerial photos, and 3,000 atlases.
Summer hours for the space are Tuesday-Thursday 1-4 p.m. The space is open to the public, but access to some material may be limited to McMaster affiliates. To learn more about the Lloyd Reeds Map Collection, visit the library website.
Campus Accessible Tech Space (CATS)
Students registered with Student Accessibility Services can request a keycard online to access the Campus Accessible Tech Space (CATS), located on the second floor of Mills library.
CATS provides equitable resources, facilities, and services to McMaster students with accessibility needs.
In the space, students can find access to loanable tech, quiet study space, and a variety of activities including board games, knitting supplies, fidget toys, and more.
CATS is open during library building hours throughout the summer, which are Monday-Thursday 8 a.m.-7 p.m. and on Fridays from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. To learn more about CATS, visit the library website.
Hamilton Public Library Bookmobile
The Hamilton Public Library Bookmobile makes weekly stops on campus to give the community greater access to their collection of books, DVDs and CDs. Library cards can be arranged right on the bus.
During the summer months, the Bookmobile will stop at BSB field every Tuesday from 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Hamilton Reads short story contest
McMaster libraries are a new partner to Hamilton Reads, an annual initiative run by Hamilton Public Library that invites community members to read a book written by a local author.
The Hamilton Reads 2025 selected title is All You Can Kill by Pasha Malla.
As part of the Hamilton Reads program, McMaster University Libraries, McMaster Office of Community Engagement, Mohawk College Library, and Hamilton Public Library are collaborating to host a short story writing contest.
The contest asks local writers to submit unpublished works of fiction under 2,000 words for consideration. All submitted work must contain a theme in this year's Hamilton Reads title, or be written in the genre of satire, humour, horror or absurdism.
To learn more about the Hamilton Reads short story content, visit the Hamilton Public Library website.
Ambassador Instagram content
Libraries student ambassador, Victoria Flores, continues to make fun and engaging content for the @maclibraries Instagram page.
Her content ranges from educational how-to videos to photos of herself exploring the many spaces in the university libraries.
To stay up to date with her latest content, follow @maclibraries on Instagram.
Loanable items
A variety of items are available for loan from the Mills, Thode and Health Sciences libraries' services desks.
The services desks are stocked with materials including adapters and chargers, supplies to assist with academic work, and recreational items such as board games, frisbees, and puzzles.
Mills and Thode libraries also loan passes for free admission to the Art Gallery of Hamilton and Hamilton Conservation Authority areas.
To see a full list of loanable items available, visit the library website.