Stoke Newington Library closed to the public on 30 March 2024 to facilitate essential improvement works to the roof and the exterior of the building. Since its closure, significant progress has been made.
The Council has invested £4.5 million in the Grade II listed Stoke Newington Library, to pay for essential work including the repair of the roof and exterior of the building.
From April to June 2024, the library’s interior, basement, and back offices were cleared. Book stock and reference collections are being stored in Dalston CLR James Library, and the Community Library Service is operating from Stamford Hill Library.
Structural, mechanical, and electrical surveys were completed to inform the specification for the works. A Planning Application and Listed Building Consent application to repair the roof and the exterior of the building were approved.
The works include:
Repairing damaged roof structures.
Replacing roof coverings and installing roof insulation.
Replacing and repairing rooflights.
Replacing and repairing sash windows and installing secondary glazing.
Repairing external brickwork and masonry.
A contractor, Total Construction, was appointed and the external works contract commenced on 7 July 2025. The project programme has subsequently been extended due to additional unforeseen repairs and asbestos removal. The work on the roof is now expected to be completed early 2027. Regular progress updates are being provided.
The scaffolding for the exterior repairs project has been designed and installed in accordance with UK Scaffolding Regulations, NASC (National Access & Scaffolding Confederation) technical guidance, and Health & Safety Executive guidance.
Update on Monday 9th November 2026:
1.Project update on structural improvements
The restoration of the beautiful Grade II exterior of the library continues to progress well. The masonry, brickwork repairs and cleaning are almost finished and the windows and doors are being painted. All of the exterior restoration work has been approved by the Council’s Conservation Officer, as are all of the remedial works to the library building.
Structural investigations and repairs to the roof structure continue, as the old roof coverings are removed, to check the integrity of the building and also to make sure that the structure can support the loads of the new rooflights and roof.
Work to insulate and recover the roofs is progressing well and most of the new rooflights have been installed. The War Memorial Hall domed rooflight has been removed for restoration. The roof will be recovered while it is off site. A temporary roof has been erected to prevent water ingress into the War Memorial Hall.
Photo of War Memorial Hall Domed Roof Light Opening
Internal historic laylights have also been removed and are being carefully restored off site.
Photo of internal historic laylight restoration
Drainage surveys are completed and a new drainage system has been designed to accommodate the increased rainfall that we now experience. The old cast iron rainwater goods have been restored off site and returned ready to be installed.
The next activities taking place on site will include the reinstatement of the restored historic internal laylights, Reference Library roof light and War Memorial Hall domed roof light.
2.Temporary Library Services
We recognise that the extended closure presents a challenge to our residents, particularly for families, and we appreciate your continued patience.
While Stoke Newington Library remains closed for essential works, we are committed to maintaining community engagement through our interim service offer. We recognise that the extended closure presents a significant challenge to our residents, particularly for families, and we sincerely appreciate your continued patience.
Current provisions include:
• Rhyme Time: Weekly pre-school sessions are held at Clissold House on Wednesday mornings.
• Book-drop & Collection: Residents can return items and collect reserved titles using the purpose-built kiosk in the Stoke Newington Town Hall foyer from 9am to 7pm Monday to Friday
• Nursery Outreach: The Community Library Service delivers monthly sets of picture books to local nurseries, including Lilliput and Tiddly Tots, to support their storytelling sessions.
• Woodberry Down Library Support: We are funding a Library Officer for one day per week at Woodberry Down Library to improve their offer, train volunteers, and deliver family-focused sessions.
• Community Groups: The adult book group has moved to Stamford Hill Library, and the Stoke Newington Poetry group is meeting at the Dalston CLR James Library.
3.Project Timeline and Next Steps
The project is currently in the feasibility and design phase for the interior refurbishment of the library. Architects have been appointed and the study is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.
The study will provide the design and cost information required to seek Cabinet approval to proceed with the next stage of the internal refurbishment project. Further information on timescales will be shared as soon as the feasibility and design stage is complete.
Prior to its closure, the Library Service consulted with library users and local residents to gather their ideas for the future layout, which will inform the future design of the library.
Stay Informed
The Library team keeps residents informed about the project and alternative book deposit provisions through the Hackney Libraries newsletter.
If you have questions, please email: StokeNewingtonLibraryWorks@hackney.gov.uk
Stories & Rhymes at Clissold House
While Stoke Newington Library is closed, join our fun stories and rhyme sessions every Wednesday morning at Clissold House.
Join Hackney Library staff at Clissold House for a fun and interactive weekly session for babies and toddlers.
Read stories, sing songs and bust some moves together!
Please note that booking is highly recommended as places are limited for these special sessions. Please book one ticket per attendee – including parents, guardians, children and babies.
Stoke Newington Refurbishment FAQs
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The roof repair will be completed in early 2027, as will the feasibility study for the next phase of the project. Thereafter we will have a more detailed timeline for the library interior refurbishment and an estimated library reopening time. Updates will be provided on this page and through the Libraries newsletter.
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Stamford Hill Library is one mile away, accessible by public transport, and open seven days a week.
Woodberry Down Library is also a mile away, but has limited opening hours. For current opening hours, please visit Woodberry Down Library.
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We have increased the offer in other local libraries and venues. We post all regular and one-off special events on our Love Hackney page. The offer includes:
Hackney Libraries’ Community Library Service is available for those who struggle to visit an alternative branch due to illness, disability, age or caring responsibilities. Visit the Community Library Service page if you know someone who meets the criteria for the home library service.
Book deposit and collection: Customers are able to drop items at Stoke Newington Town Hall, Monday to Friday from 8am—7pm. There is also a facility to collect reserved books here once you are notified that they are available. Please see photos of Stoke Newington Town Hall below.
Nursery visits by Community Library Service: We already visit 23 nurseries across Hackney to drop book sets. If your nursery in the Stoke Newington/Clissold area would benefit from this then please get in touch.
Rhymetimes for pre-school children and their families are taking place weekly on a Wednesday in Clissold House from 10.30-11.30am. Booking is essential via Eventbrite.
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We do not currently know. If there are proposed changes to the service there will be a public consultation.
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The external works contract commenced on July 7th 2025. The works are expected to take 12 months and complete by June 2026.
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Recent internal condition surveys indicate that the interior of the library building may need additional significant investment to enhance and restore this Grade II listed building.
In order to determine the works required, the Council will commission architects specialising in the refurbishment of heritage buildings to complete a study of the building which will determine the extent of the works needed.
Given the timescales involved in completing this work, and any further stages of design and construction, Stoke Newington Library is likely to remain closed beyond spring 2026. Further information on timescales will be made available as soon as we have completed the initial design work. Prior to its closure the Library Service consulted with library users and local residents to gather their ideas for the future layout, which will inform the future design of the library.
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The Town Hall side of the premises currently has three projects. The first is the removal of asbestos from the Assembly Hall, which is now complete. The second project which is underway is the installation of the new heating system. The third project that is about to start is the installation of a new fire alarm system. There may be additional projects in future; they are to be determined.
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The Gallery is not available to hire for the duration of the construction works.
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Old and tatty stock has been sent to Better World Books, a not-for-profit organisation that sells second hand books and donates profits to literacy charities.
Stock in good condition has been stored for future use. The music scores have been temporarily relocated to Dalston CLR James Library and are still available for loan.
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There has already been a £4.4m investment into external repairs which is part of a wider commitment by Hackney Council to invest in the borough’s libraries over the next four years to modernise facilities and to ensure they are flexible, innovative and inclusive spaces that cater to the needs of residents.
The interior of the library requires significant investment to enhance and restore the Grade II Listed Building. The Council will commission architects specialising in the refurbishment of heritage buildings to complete a study which will determine the extent of the works needed. Once the scope of work is agreed the cost will be confirmed.
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Library users are able to drop items at Stoke Newington Town Hall Assembly Rooms from 8am to 7pm Monday to Friday. There is also a facility to collect reserved books here once you are notified that they are available.
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You can find your local councillor's surgeries on the council website, here.