Libraries

Hackney libraries offer a wide range of free services. You can borrow books and download e-books, use computers and access Wi-Fi, or come along to an activity or event.

Join the library

Membership is free and anyone can join – you don’t have to live in Hackney. You can also join in person – at any of our Hackney branches – or join online here:

Join library

If you join here, you’ll be given a confirmation number to take to the library to activate your membership.

You’ll also need to take ID with your address on it, such as a driving licence or a utility bill from the last three months.

If you’re under 16 you’ll need signed permission from a parent or guardian.

Once your membership is activated, you’ll be given a library card and can start using any library within the London Libraries Consortium. This means that you can use libraries in more than 15 different local authorities.

Renew and reserve

You can renew books, CDs or DVDs online, by phone or in person at any library. 

Renew

If you’re already a member, you can renew books, CDs and DVDs in person at any of our library branches or here:

Reserve

If the book, CD or DVD is not available then you can email suggestock@hackney.gov.uk and suggest we obtain it.

List of libraries

You can use our interactive map to find your nearest library or review the list below. See individual library pages for opening times:

• Clapton Library
• Dalston CLR James Library
• Hackney Central Library
• Homerton Library
• Shoreditch Library
• Stamford Hill Library
• Stoke Newington Library
• Woodberry Down Library

Events and activities

Join a large range of events and activities for adults and children in our libraries. We celebrate culture and learning throughout the year, with talks, creative writing clubs, activities for under 5s, reading groups, comic clubs, code clubs, ping pong for the over 50s and lots more:

• what’s on in Hackney Libraries

Discounts

Arcola Mondays

2-for-1 tickets and 25% off at the bar on Mondays at Arcola Theatre when you show your Hackney Libraries card.

Book now using the offer code LIBRARY241.

Rio Tuesdays

Pay just £5 when you show your Hackney Libraries card at the Rio Cinema. Children pay only £3.50. This deal is valid every Tuesday, on any film, at any time.

Community library service

If you can’t 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 or deposit collections of books to nurseries, day centres and residential units on a weekly basis for free.

Online information resources

As a member of Hackney Libraries you can access for free a variety of online information resources including the Encyclopaedia Britannica, the Oxford English Dictionary, Which? Online, Ancestry.com (library edition) and the UK citizenship and driving theory tests.

Book a computer

You’ll need your library card number and PIN to book a computer. If you need a new library card or you’ve forgotten your PIN, visit one of our Hackney Libraries for help.

Book a computer

You can also book by phone or in person, by using the booking kiosk in the library.

How long can I use a computer for?

• adults: 2 hours
• children: 1 hour

You can ask for more time if you need to.

Is there anyone who can help me use a computer and the internet?

Yes. We offer beginner’s sessions. You need to book in advance by asking a staff member in the library.

How much is printing and scanning?

• black and white: 10p
• colour: 50p

Room hire

Please contact library.roombooking@hackney.gov.uk to discuss booking a room in one of our libraries for a meeting or event.

Clapton Library

• meeting room – capacity: 25 standing (without tables), 15 seated (with tables)

Dalston CLR James Library

• meeting/education room – capacity: 35 standing (without tables) or 20 seated (with tables)

Homerton Library

• meeting room – capacity: 100 seated or standing
• piano room – capacity 8 seated or standing

Shoreditch Library

• meeting space – capacity: 25 seated or 35 standing
• small meeting room – capacity: 12. If the room is partitioned, 4 per room
• IT suite – capacity: 11 (10 + 1 trainer)

Stamford Hill Library

• hall – capacity: 60 seated or 80 standing

Stoke Newington Library

• meeting room – capacity: 25 seated or 25 standing
• gallery – capacity: 130 standing or 60 seated

Sign up to our newsletter