Hackney Central Library is undergoing a major refurbishment, thanks to funding from the central government. This is the first significant capital investment since it opened 22 years ago.on text goes here

The library will close on Saturday 6 September 2025. It is expected to be closed from September to January 2026.

Based on community feedback, the new library aims to be more welcoming and easier to navigate. Key improvements include spaces for collaborative work, comfortable and well-lit reading/study areas, a good selection of books, bookable meeting rooms and booths, and a beautiful plant-inspired children's area.

The design was shaped by valuable feedback from customers of all ages. Additionally, RNIB and Scope conducted access audits to improve the library for people with visual impairments and learning/physical disabilities, and Hackney Young Futures Ambassadors and Scope Youth Ambassadors provided feedback for young people. Local families and schools also co-designed bespoke patterns and a mural for the children's library, inspired by local history and plant patterns from the Loddiges nursery.

The theme acknowledges the history of Conrad Loddiges' world-famous plant nursery in Mare Street, which collected plants globally. It also addresses the darker side of this history, recognising the practice of ‘colonial botany’ and the probable link to the slave trade. Artistic elements in the library reflect this complex past, using traditional patterns from the plants' countries of origin and encouraging thought about plants' origins and Hackney's diversity.

The refurbishment is funded by £810,500 from central government, which provided £19 million to Hackney Council for wider Hackney Central area improvements. An additional £150,000 was allocated for the building's entrance and signage. This is capital funding, meant for infrastructure and improvement work.

Yes, Hackney Museum will undergo a complete transformation and will be closed for most of 2026. This project is funded separately by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

A book drop will be available at Hackney Service Centre for returning books and picking up reservations from Thursday 11 September. Hackney Service Centre’s opening hours are:

• Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9am to 5pm

• Wednesday from 9am to 4pm

Regular storytimes, clubs, and activities will be moved to other libraries and Hackney Museum. More details can be found on the Hackney Central Library page.

Your closest libraries are Dalston C.L.R. James Library and Homerton Library, both about a 20-minute walk away, next to overground stations, and served by local buses. Other libraries in Hackney include Shoreditch Library, Stamford Hill Library, Clapton Library, and Woodberry Down Library.

Hackney Central Library’s Designers (The Design Concept), Building Signage Architects (GuM Studio and Muf architecture), Hackney Museum’s Designers (GuM Studio), and mural and wallpaper artists (@sionaptomos, @skyecantbake_, @ejost_designs). The project team is also working closely with the Hackney Museum team, Hackney Culture team, and Regeneration team.

The designs are finalised, so no significant changes will be made. However, you can post feedback or comments in the library comments box until it closes on 6 September 2025, or email libraries@hackney.gov.uk