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Hackney Council

Libraries overview

There are 8 libraries in Hackney:

Join the library

You need to be a member to use the library. Membership is free. You do not have to be a Hackney resident.

You can either:

After you’ve applied online, go to any of our libraries with your confirmation number and ID to activate your membership.

Borrow items

After you join the library you can borrow books, CDs and DVDs. Search for items on the libraries website.

You can also borrow ebooks, audiobooks and digital magazines and newspapers from the e-library. Check how to use the e-library.

Reset your PIN

You need a PIN to log into the libraries website. If you’ve forgotten it, You can reset your PIN online.

Events

You can find details of all our activities at Love Hackney.

You can also subscribe to the Hackney libraries newsletter.

Community Library Service

If you cannot get to your local library because you’re ill, disabled or are a full -time carer, you can use our community library service.

Loans and returns

You can reserve up to 20 items, 12 of which can be CDs or DVDs. It’s free to reserve items if you’re under 18. If you’re 18 or older, Each reservation costs 60p. 

You can return items during opening hours.

Hire a meeting room

You can hire a range of rooms in our libraries. To hire a room, email library.roombooking@hackney.gov.uk.

If you hire a room outside of normal library opening hours, you'll need to hire a security guard. A security guard costs £25.97 per hour and the minimum booking is for 5 hours.

You can also see the terms and conditions for hiring a meeting room (Google Doc).

Clapton Library

It costs £30 per hour to hire a meeting room in Clapton Library - see details of the meeting room at Clapton Library (PDF 1.1MB).

Dalston CLR James Library

It costs £40 per hour to hire a meeting room in Dalston CLR James Library -  see details of the meeting room at Dalston CLR James Library (PDF 1.8MB). 

Hackney Central Library

It costs £30 per hour to hire a meeting room and £5 per hour to hire a pod in Hackney Central Library.

You can:

Homerton Library

It costs £52 per hour to hire the hall and £13 per hour to hire the piano room in Homerton Library.

 You can:

Shoreditch Library

It costs £26 per hour to hire the large meeting room and £13 per hour to hire the small meeting room in Shoreditch Library.

You can:

Computer services

Email libraries@hackney.gov.uk to book a 2-hour computer slot. 

You need to provide your membership card number when booking.

You can print, photocopy and scan at all our libraries except Woodberry Down Library.

Libraries strategy

Our libraries strategy responds directly to what residents tell us they want from their libraries. 

Read the libraries strategy for Hackney 2022 to 2026 (PDF 20MB).

Hackney Libraries

Opening times

Monday to Friday8am to 6pm

Renewals and information line open

Address

Hackney Service Centre 1 Hillman St London E8 1DY

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