Libraries Improvement Plans 2019 - 2024
We know how important libraries are to Haringey’s communities – so we’re improving them to offer you more access and inclusivity.
Currently, Highgate Library and Muswell Hill Library are closed for major refurbishment, and are due to reopen 2024!
What we have done so far
We are pleased to announce that:
Coombes Croft Library reopened in October 2020, looking refreshed with new furniture, a wide range of new books and a great new children’s area
Hornsey Library was completed in 2020 and we have enhanced the historic fabric of the library through £3.7m of investment, making it bigger, better, more accessible, and providing even more services for users and the local community. The Grade II listed building in Crouch End has many internal improvements. These include new furniture and IT equipment, an improved children’s library section, and a refurbished main entrance and main library, alongside essential internal and external maintenance work, roof repairs, and a new heating system
Stroud Green and Harringay Library reopened in December 2021 with access to meeting rooms on the first floor via a newly installed lift, alongside essential internal and external maintenance work and new furniture
Alexandra Park Library reopened in February 2023, also with access to meeting rooms on the first floor via a newly installed lift, alongside essential maintenance works as well as looking refreshed
In addition:
we have invested £500,000 in new IT across all Haringey libraries to improve digital facilities for residents. The new facilities include interactive self-service terminals, card payment facilities and business intelligence tools for smarter stock buying
all libraries now have new public computers and printers, and the network bandwidth has been increased to improve Internet speeds
Haringey Libraries have joined The Libraries Consortium – a rapidly expanding network of public library authorities in the UK, sharing technology, stock, and expertise. Haringey Library members will now have access to millions more items of stock, with a greater diversity of material. Haringey Library members now gain access to nearly 8 million books. Haringey residents can access books and eStock from across the consortium. Residents can borrow from or return books to any of the 300+ libraries including those in our neighbouring boroughs: Waltham Forest, Hackney, and Enfield
investment in a new library management system and new-look library catalogue which provides recommendations based on what is popular in adult and children’s genres and your own preferences that you set in your account
new online events and room booking platform to search for events or available facilities for your event needs!