Overview

What we’re doing

Hackney Central Library is the borough’s busiest library – and it will soon have better facilities and be more accessible to more people.

Proposals we’re looking at include:

• flexible and inclusive equipment to make it more accessible to more people
• children and young people’s zones
• collaborative learning spaces
• bookable meeting spaces
• new study spaces
• exhibition spaces

Why we’re doing it

The library hasn’t seen major investment for twenty years and, while a vital resource for so many people, doesn’t make the best use of the space available.

That’s why we’re looking to make the most of the potential of Hackney Central Library, making better use of the building, and creating a modern, inclusive and welcoming facility.

How we’re doing it

In 2019, more than 8,000 people took part in the Hackney Libraries Review – telling us they would like to use library spaces for a greater range of activities, lifelong learning, socialising and networking. Local businesses told us they would like to use libraries for meeting clients, and hiring space in popular locations with the facilities and equipment they need to run face-to-face, video and hybrid meetings.

We’re now putting together proposals based on that feedback, and are launching a two stage engagement programme. This is designed to capture the insight of residents and stakeholders, to ensure their ideas are reflected in the designs we develop and to ensure they have plenty of opportunities to contribute to and give feedback on drafted and final designs.