Key Points
- Hackney Council launches public consultation on proposed changes to library opening times across the borough.
- Refurbishment of Hackney Central Library and Stoke Newington Library involved government grants to improve facilities, accessibility, and community spaces.
- Hackney Central Library to close for major refurbishment from September 2025 to January 2026, with services relocated.
- Stoke Newington Library closed in March 2024 for a two-year restoration and interior redesign, after significant roof damage.
- Library users are advised to use neighbouring branches and enhanced online and community services during closures.
- Hackney Unison and community activists protest proposed job cuts funding part of the refurbishment strategy.
- Government funding includes £810,500 for Hackney Central and £499,700 for Stoke Newington Library interior redesign, as part of a wider £19 million investment in Hackney Central area improvements.
- Public feedback from over 8,450 residents and stakeholders shapes library strategy and refurbishment design.
- Campaigners and local councillors express support for modernisation but raise concerns about staff reductions and service impact.
- Additional community support includes mobile library services, extended drop-off points, and activity relocation.
Why Is Hackney Launching a Consultation on Library Opening Times Changes?
As reported by Hackney Council News, Hackney Council is initiating a borough-wide consultation on proposed changes to library opening hours, affecting all public libraries in Hackney. This move is part of broader, ongoing efforts to modernise and refurbish libraries, with the council highlighting a commitment to maintain and improve community access and services amid significant building works and funding allocations.
What Changes Are Happening at Hackney Central Library?
According to reporting by Hackney Council News and Love Hackney, Hackney Central Library is set for a major revamp funded by central government grants totalling £810,500, with works scheduled from September 2025 to January 2026. The refurbishment, the first significant investment since the library opened 22 years ago, includes a plant-inspired children’s area, new study rooms, improved accessibility, and community-designed artistic features reflecting Hackney’s diverse heritage. The plans respond to extensive feedback from local residents, disabled users, and youth groups, with services temporarily transferring to Dalston C.L.R. James and Homerton Libraries during closure.
Councillor Chris Kennedy, Cabinet Member for Health, Adult Social Care, Voluntary Sector and Culture, told Hackney Council News:
“Government funding for improvements to Hackney Central Library comes at a very welcome time… We’ve worked closely with organisations ensuring the changes reflect what people liked, disliked, and wanted to improve about Hackney Central Library.”
How Are Library Users Affected by the Refurbishments?
Love Hackney and Hackney Council confirmed that alternative arrangements include a book drop at the Hackney Service Centre, extended home library deliveries, and activity relocation to Hackney Museum and other branches. Public feedback, collected from more than 8,450 survey respondents and focus group participants, was instrumental in shaping facility upgrades and service continuity plans. Most residents expressed satisfaction with existing collections and staff but sought improved digital resources and more flexible spaces for events and study.
What Is the Timeline and Scope for Stoke Newington Library’s Restoration?
Journalist Josef Steen of Hackney Citizen reports that Stoke Newington Library closed March 2024 due to urgent roof repairs and masonry conservation, with a government grant of £499,700 allocated for an interior transformation. The building, which suffered damage and required safety reviews after scaffolding collapsed in April 2025, is expected to reopen after two years of extensive works, including improved children’s areas, study spaces, and better access for community groups.
Petra Roberts, Assistant Director for Libraries at Hackney Council, explained to Hackney Citizen:
“We are delighted to receive this investment which will help us realise our vision for Stoke Newington Library… This funding will help us achieve improved reading, study and children’s spaces, better visitor flow and flexibility as well as access to improved stock, cultural activities and technology.”
How Is Community Consultation Shaping Library Policy?
As outlined in the Hackney Libraries Public Engagement Report, the council undertook a comprehensive consultation from July to October 2021, with surveys, focus groups, and creative workshops involving residents, business partners, disabled users, older people, young people, and schoolchildren. The majority of local community responses supported modernisation and the expansion of digital, study, and social facilities, but also called for retention of weekend and evening opening times and strong staff presence for safe, accessible spaces. Notably, satisfaction with the knowledge and friendliness of library staff was high among users, with some voicing concern about the impact of job cuts on service standards and accessibility.
Why Have Hackney Unison and Activists Raised Concerns?
Hackney Post, Hackney Citizen, and Hackney Unison report that staff and community activists have protested funding arrangements for the refurbishments, particularly proposals to cut up to 76 jobs and create 57 new positions which staff must reapply for. Unison entered a formal dispute and held demonstrations, arguing that service quality and staff morale could suffer, and that superior library environments would be undermined by weaker staffing levels. Unison spokesperson Matt Paul told Hackney Post:
“It will be impossible to deliver and sustain [the library service] without having sufficient staff on the ground… it’s completely pointless if staff cuts are funding this – what’s the point of having a lovely space if it ends up eventually closing by not having the staff to run it?”
Green Party Councillor Zoë Garbett and community activist Tyrone Scott both voiced support for modernisation but called for a pause in staff restructuring until the new strategy is established and reviewed by the community.
How Will Service Access and Events Be Maintained During Closures?
Library users will be directed to nearby branches with extended opening hours, such as Dalston C.L.R. James and Homerton Library, and offered enhanced digital and home delivery services. Temporary arrangements for book returns and collection will be established at Hackney Service Centre for Hackney Central Library and at Stoke Newington Town Hall for Stoke Newington Library. Events for children and families will be moved to Clissold House and other venues, with continued promotion on council channels and newsletters.
What Are the Next Steps in the Consultation and Refurbishment Process?
Hackney Central Library’s designs remain on display for public comment until its closure on 6 September 2025, after which a four-month renovation will follow. Stoke Newington Library works are expected to continue until spring 2026, with regular updates and opportunities for public input on potential changes to service and opening hours. Hackney Council encourages residents to attend consultation events, complete online surveys, and sign up for library newsletters for the latest information.
How Are the Refurbishment Projects Funded?
The projects are primarily funded by central government through infrastructure and improvement grants, with Hackney Central receiving £810,500 as part of broader Hackney Central area upgrades and Stoke Newington receiving £499,700 for interior improvements along with a larger capital allocation of £4.4 million for building restoration.
What Is the Broader Impact of Library Strategy on Hackney Residents?
Hackney Council’s Libraries Strategy for 2022–26 aims to position libraries at the centre of cultural, educational, and social life for borough residents, providing safe spaces, digital access, learning, and community engagement opportunities. The ongoing consultation and refurbishments reflect resident feedback, with the Council affirming its commitment to inclusive, innovative, and sustainable library services for all areas of Hackney.
