Stoke Newington Refurbishment FAQs

• When will the library reopen?

  The library is likely to remain closed beyond spring 2026. Updates will be provided through the Libraries newsletter and Love Hackney.

• 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 have increased the offer in other local libraries and venues. 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 page if you know someone who meets the criteria for the home library service.

  – Book deposit 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 are taking 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. If there are proposed changes to the service there will be a public consultation.

• When will the contractors start work on the roof?

  The external works contract commenced on July 7th 2025. The  works are expected to take 12 months and complete by June 2026.

• Will the library be refurbished inside?

  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.

• What is happening to Stoke Newington Town Hall and Assembly Rooms and the repairs there?

  The Town Hall side of the premises currently has three projects. The first is the removal of asbestos from the Assembly Hall, which is now complete. The second project which is underway is the installation of the new heating system. The third project that is about to start is the installation of a new fire alarm system. There may be additional projects in future; they are to be determined.

• Is the Gallery available to hire?

  The Gallery is not available to hire for the duration of the construction 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?

  There has already been a £4.4m investment into external repairs which 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. 

  The interior of the library requires significant investment to enhance and restore the Grade II Listed Building. The Council will commission architects specialising in the refurbishment of heritage buildings to complete a study which will determine the extent of the works needed. Once the scope of work is agreed the cost will be confirmed. 

  Hackney Council’s Library Service has successfully applied for a Government grant of £499,700 towards the fit out of the inside of the library to create, 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. 

• 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.

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.

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