Community Library Service

Hackney’s Community Library Service can deliver library material to your home if you are unwell, disabled, are a full-time carer or have SEND.

The free service will visit you at home once every four weeks. We can deliver:

  • Books

  • Large print books

  • Audio books

  • Music CDs

  • DVDs

  • Colouring sheets

  • Jigsaws and puzzles

  • Colouring sheets

You can also download ebooks and audiobooks, as well as e-magazines and e-newspapers, on your devices for free when you join our service.

This short film gives potential users information on the breadth of materials on offer, service details and joining information.

About the Community Library Service

  • Join the Community Library Service

    You can request to join the Community Library Service for yourself or on behalf of someone else:

    Call 0208 356 5238 for details.

    Email home.visitlibrary@hackney.gov.uk

  • Who can use the Community Library Service?

    Any Hackney resident can use the service on a temporary or long-term basis. There are no age restrictions. The criteria are that you cannot access a library because of an accident, illness, frailty, disability or because you are a full-time carer.

  • How much does it cost?

    The service is free. There are no charges for deliveries, for overdue items or loan reservations of any items.

  • How does the Community Library Service work?

    We deliver on a monthly rota basis, to people in their own homes, sheltered housing  and nursing homes. We can provide deposit loan collections to groups such as day centres, nurseries and hostels. We also provide  weekly trolley services at St Joseph’s Hospice and Homerton Hospital.

  • Telephone reading group

    People at home can be a part of a reading group. It works on a conference call set-up with up to eight people on the call together, talking about a book. We deliver the book in the required format (ordinary print, large print or talking book) and facilitate the event with volunteers from CSV Hackney. The reading group meets 4 times a year. Contact us for more information and to join.

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