Stoke Newington Library: Update on Improvement Works
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 is investing £4.5 million in the Grade II listed Stoke Newington Library, which includes repairing 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 have been completed to inform the specification for the repair works. A Planning Application and Listed Building Consent application to repair the roof and the exterior of the building have been approved. The works will include:
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, has been appointed to carry out the works. The external works contract commenced on 7 July 2025, and the works are anticipated to take 12 months, concluding by June 2026. Regular progress updates will be 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.
Interior library refurbishment
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.
Staying Informed
The Library team keeps residents informed about the project and alternative book deposit provisions through the Libraries newsletter.
If you have questions, please email StokeNewingtonLibraryWorks@hackney.gov.uk
