How long will the library be closed?
It is currently estimated that the library will be closed for two years.

When will the contractors start work on the roof? 
Work on the roof will begin in Autumn 2024.

Will it be refurbished inside? 
We are looking for funding to do considerable interior works to make the space more accessible and repair floors and walls. In addition, we are waiting for a decision on an Arts Council funding bid which is for an interior refit. Any interior works will be subject to an extensive consultation with library users invited to input into the design drafts. 

When will the library re-open? 
We do not have a definitive date, but we expect the roofing and fabric repair works to take approximately two years.

Will the opening hours be the same?
We do not know. Opening hours and changes to a service are subject to formal procedures. Every effort will be taken to ensure the Library is sustainable for the future.

Where is the nearest branch? 
Stamford Hill Library is one mile away, accessible by public transport, and open seven days a week. Woodberry Down is also a mile away, but has limited opening hours.  For current opening hours please visit Woodberry Down Library. These are currently Monday and Thursday, 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 6pm and Wednesday afternoon, 2pm to 6pm.

Will there be a local offer whilst the library is closed? 
We are increasing the offer in other local libraries and venues and exploring options for a book pick-up and drop-off facility locally. We post all regular and one-off special events on our Love Hackney page. The offer includes:

• Community Library Service for those who will struggle to visit an alternative branch due to illness, disability, age or caring responsibilities. Visit the Community Library Service webpage if you know someone who meets the criteria for the home library service.

• Book depository - customers will be able to drop items at Stoke Newington Town Hall from 8am to 7pm Monday to Friday. Later we will have a reservation and collections facility, however we are currently experiencing delays installing the equipment. Please check back here for updates on this service. 

• 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 will take place weekly on a Wednesday in Clissold House from 10:30am-11:30.  Booking is essential via Eventbrite. 

Is the Gallery available to hire? 
The Gallery will not be available whilst the building is closed for repair.

What is happening to Stoke Newington Town Hall and Assembly Rooms and the repairs there? 
The Assembly Rooms and Stoke Newington Town Hall require extensive repairs which are not included in the scope of the works to the Library roof.  At the moment there is no timeline for these works to be undertaken.

What will happen to the library stock? 
Old and damaged stock will be sent to Better World Books, a not for profit organisation which donates to reading charities, including The National Literacy Trust, which is normal practice. Good condition stock will be stored for future use. The music scores will be temporarily relocated to Dalston CLR James Library and still be available for loan. 

When will the library reopen? 
This is a temporary closure for two years and we will keep residents informed of its progress through our libraries newsletter. 

How much will the refurbishment cost? 
This is a £4.4m investment into Stoke Newington Library and 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. 

Sign up to the Hackney Libraries Newsletter for further updates.

If you have a question that hasn’t been answered above, please email us below.