Stoke Newington Refurbishment FAQs

• When will the library reopen?

  We do not have a definitive date, but we expect the roofing and fabric repair works to take approximately two years.

  We will keep residents informed of its progress through our libraries newsletter.

• 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.

• Will there be a local offer while 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:

  – Hackney’s 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 and collection: customers are able to drop items at Stoke Newington Town Hall 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. 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 will take place weekly on a Wednesday in Clissold House from 10.30-11.30am. Booking is essential via Eventbrite.

• Will the future opening hours be the same?

  We do not currently 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.

• When will the contractors start work on the roof?

  Surveys are currently underway and actual work to the roof is expected to start in Spring 2025.

• Will the library be refurbished inside?

  Hackney Council’s Library Service has successfully applied for a Government grant of £499,700 to redesign the interior of Stoke Newington Library into creative, inclusive and innovative new spaces.

  Click here for more information on the Libraries Improvement Fund.

• 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. At the moment there is no timeline for these works to be undertaken.

• Is the Gallery available to hire?

  The Gallery is not available to hire for the duration of the works.

• What will happen to the library stock?

  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.

• 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.
  
  Hackney Council’s Library Service has successfully applied for a Government grant of £499,700 to redesign the interior of Stoke Newington Library into creative, inclusive and innovative new spaces.

• Where can I return my items?

  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. Please see photos of Stoke Newington Town Hall below.

• The ward councillors used to hold their surgeries at Stoke Newington Library. Where are they holding their surgeries now?

  You can find your local councillor's surgeries on the council web site, here

• Will the Memorial Hall be part of the Remembrance Day Parade this year?

  The Memorial Hall is currently out of bounds due to health & safety surveys taking place.  The nearest event will be in Abney Park, details can be found here.  The Library Service will be laying a wreath.

Photograph of the outside of Stoke Newington Town Hall & Assembly Hall, and a photograph showing the inside of the Town Hall Assembly Rooms, where there is a book drop, a trolley with reservations on it, and a poster about Rhyme Time at Clissold House every Wednesday.

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: