Libraries
Become a library member
Are you a Library member but have forgotten your PIN?
Reset it online (PIN reset) and click ‘Log In’ then ‘Forgot My PIN’. Alternatively, our staff members will be happy to help, just contact any of the above Libraries.
Book a PC
To book a one-hour slot pop in or call your preferred library during opening hours or email libraries@hackney.gov.uk.
You must hold a library account with Hackney or any other authority of The Libraries Consortium.
All PCs are automatically switched off 15 minutes before closing.
You need to provide your membership card number when booking.
We can offer printing at Hackney Central, Dalston CLR James, Clapton and Stoke Newington Libraries.
All of our libraries have photocopying facilities.
Study space
Study spaces available on a first-come first-served basis at:
- Clapton
- Dalston C.L.R James Libraries
- Hackney Central
- Homerton
- Shoreditch
- Stamford Hill
- Stoke Newington Libraries.
Reserve an item
You can reserve up to 20 items, 12 of which can be CDs and/or DVDs. A non-refundable administration fee of 55p will be applied for each reservation. Under 18s don’t have to pay this charge.
Online library catalogue
Returning stock
Returns can be made any time during opening hours.
Join the e-library
Access our e-library with your Hackney libraries membership number, barcode and PIN, giving you immediate access to thousands of e-books, audiobooks, newspapers and magazines for free.
Community library service
If you cannot get to your local library due to temporary or permanent illness, frailty or special needs. Our community library service can deliver library material to your home every four weeks.
We can also deliver collections of books on a weekly basis for free to:
- nurseries
- day centres
- residential units
Events happening in your local library
To see what events are happening in your local library visit what’s on in Hackney libraries.
Libraries service review public feedback report
Between July and October 2021, we held conversations with local residents and stakeholders. We wanted to find out how happy they were with the current library service and what they would like to see in the future.
Over 8,450 people from all ages and a diverse range of backgrounds had their say on Hackney’s libraries through:
- surveys hosted on Commonplace and Citizen Space
- focus groups
- interviews
We also held creative workshops and competitions in primary schools across the borough for children to discuss and design their dream library.
The public engagement looked at how our libraries are:
- currently used
- what residents value from the service
- what would encourage more people to visit their local library
The borough-wide review into our libraries reveals that residents are overall satisfied with the service. This included access to library buildings, availability and range of books, and knowledge and friendliness of staff.
The report shows that residents place greatest value on:
- access to good quality collections of books and reading materials
- see libraries as trusted and safe spaces to provide lifelong learning opportunities and cultural and community events for all ages
When asked what libraries could offer in the future, residents said improved access to high quality digital resources. To carry out day-to-day tasks such as:
- printing
- photocopying
- use of fast wifi
Residents also see the role of local libraries in providing spaces for people to meet and socialise. To access information and interact with other council services, as important to the community’s well-being.
See the summary report of the public feedback to the Hackney Council libraries service review (PDF 12.5mb)
See the Public Engagement Report (PDF 10.3mb).
Libraries strategy for Hackney 2022 to 2026
The libraries strategy for Hackney 2022 to 2026 is a vision for what the borough’s library service is going to achieve over the next four years. It responds directly to what residents told us they wanted for their libraries.
View libraries strategy for Hackney 2022 to 2026 (PDF 20mb).
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Hackney Libraries
Address
Telephone
- Renewals0333 370 4700
Opening times
- Renewals and information line open Mon to Fri, 8am to 6pm