Community Hub
Services, learning opportunities & support in Hackney Libraries
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Welcome Hackney: Drop-in for Refugees, Migrants and Asylum Seekers in Hackney
Come along for help and support from friendly council teams and community organisations. Interpreters provided.
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Kind Coats Appeal
You can donate or take a coat at Hackney's libraries throughout the winter months as part of the Kind Coats campaign. All jackets, children’s coats, gloves and scarves are welcome, as long as they are clean and in a reusable condition.
Visit one of our libraries to pick up a warm coat or to donate a warm coat.
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Ward Councillor Surgeries
Many Hackney Libraries have Ward Councillor Surgeries, where you can meet your local Councillor to discuss issues affecting you.
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Estate Housing Surgeries
Many Hackney Libraries have Housing Surgeries, where you can meet your local Housing Officer to discuss issues affecting you.
For more information, call 020 8356 3330 or
email: neighbourhood@hackney.gov.uk -
u3a: Learn, Laugh, Live
Do you have time during the day? Enjoy meeting people and learning new things? u3a run a range of activities in our libraries. New members are welcome and concessions rates are available.
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Clubs for Adults
Coffee mornings and crafting. Yoga and hula-hooping. Reading and writing groups. Whatever your age, whatever your interests, there’s a Hackney Libraries club for you.
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Digital Buddies
All Hackney Libraries have printing and photocopying facilities, free wifi access and computers and digital support sessions.
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Adult Learning and ESOL Classes
Do you want to improve your English, maths, or digital skills, gain a qualification, or develop your personal and wellbeing skills? Adult Learning provides a range of courses in libraries.
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Learn to Read with Read Easy
Want to learn to read? A volunteer can help you to learn to read in all Hackney libraries. Call: 01388 435 021
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Community Library Service
If you can’t access your local library due to temporary or permanent illness, frailty or special needs, we can deliver library material to your home.
Hackney Energy Advice Team Drop-in
CREW Energy are running regular drop-in sessions to support residents who are experiencing financial difficulties, in partnership with Hackney Light and Power. The project is co-funded by Hackney Council and UK Power Networks.
Come along if you need help:
changing your energy supplier to get a better deal
applying for e-grants, discounts and vouchers
finding out how to lower your energy and water usage and save money
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Clapton Library
Every second Thursday 2.30pm—4.30pm
• 13 November 2025
• 11 December 2025
• 15 January 2026
• 12 February 2026
• 12 March 2026 -
Dalston CLR James Library
Last Thursday of the month 10am—12.30pm
• 27 November 2025
• No December session
• 29 January 2026
• 26 February 2026
• 26 March 2026 -
Shoreditch Library
Every second Wednesday 2.30pm—4.30pm
• 10 December 2025
• 14 January 2026
• 11 February 2026
• 11 March 2026 -
Stamford Hill Library
Last Thursday of the month 2pm—4.30pm
• 27 November
• No December session
• 29 January 2026
• 26 February
• 26 March -
Woodberry Down Library
Last Wednesday of the month 2.30pm—4.30pm
• 26 November 2025
• No December session
• 28 January 2026
• 25 February 2026
• 25 March 2026
Scope Community Disability Energy Advice
If you, or a loved one, are disabled and worried about energy and water costs, Scope can offer free advice.
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Dalston CLR James Library
Every second Monday 10am—2pm
• 17 November 2025
• 1 December 2025 -
Homerton Library
Every second Tuesday 10am—2pm
• 18 November 2025
• 2 December 2025 -
Stamford Hill Library
Every second Wednesday 10pm—2pm
• 19 November 2025
• 3 December 2025
Activities, groups & support services for families & young people
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Clubs for Children
Homework clubs, reading groups and story and rhyme sessions. There’s something for every child at Hackney Libraries.
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Family Action Surgeries
Drop in sessions to speak with a Family Action advisor for practical, emotional and financial information.
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Hackney Nappy Network Demos
Hackney Nappy Network run a reusable nappy demo every month on a Friday morning at Hackney Central Library for all new and expectant parents.
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Wrap a Hug Sling Clinic
Monthly Wrap a Hug sling clinics in our libraries. These events are a great place to socialise with other parents, get some information about slings in a relaxed, informal setting.
