Hackney Central Library

Closed for refurbishment

Hackney Central Library is currently closed for refurbishment. It is due to reopen in January 2026 •

Hackney Central Library is currently closed for refurbishment. It is due to reopen in January 2026 •

Regular groups, activities & events

  • Two young girls with braided hair sit in an armchair reading a book

    Comic Reading Group

    First Monday of the month
    4pm—5.30pm

    Join us to read and talk about comics and graphic novels, get ideas and make friends! Best for ages 8+. No need to book, just turn up.

  • A group of young people sit a table drawing

    Comic Creators Club

    Third Monday of the month
    4pm—5.30pm

    Join our resident comic artists to draw and create comics, get inspired, develop skills and make friends! Best for ages 8+. No need to book, just turn up.

  • Two young toddler girls playing with blocks

    Ann Tayler Toy Library

    Tuesdays during term time
    10am—11.30am

    Free toys for children to play with and borrow for two weeks. No need to book, just turn up.

  • A room - apparently in a library - with primary school age children seated around a table. On the table are several pens and pieces of paper. Two adults stand over them in the background.

    Homework Club

    Tuesdays during term time
    4pm—5pm

    Join us for help with your homework. We also offer Maths and English worksheets.
    Ages 6 to 10. No need to book, just turn up. No need to book, just turn up.

  • Hands knitting red fabric

    Knit and Natter

    Wednesdays
    11.30am—1.30pm

    Drop in any time and bring along your own project, or try out our needles and wool. All levels welcome. No need to book, just turn up.

  • Multi coloured playing pieces on a playing board

    Board Games Club

    Thursdays
    4pm—5.30pm

    We have a variety of games – play your favourite or try something new! Open to all ages and any skill level, best for ages 5+. No need to book, just turn up.

  • A pair of hands holding a book open

    Hackney Central Book Club

    First Thursday of the month
    6pm—7pm


    Join us to discuss books and find your next read! Pick up a copy of next month’s choice at the welcome desk. No need to book, just turn up.

  • Primary school age children lying in a row smiling and reading books

    Chatterbooks

    Last Thursday of the month
    4.30pm—6pm

    Join us at the library to talk about books, meet new people and discover your next favourite read! Open to children aged 8 to 12. Register at the welcome desk. No need to book, just turn up.

  • A woman with brown hair styled in a fringe and wearing a green polo neck sweater smiles at the camera. In the background is a bush..

    Hackney Central Writing Group with Sara Nisha Adams

    Third Thursday of the month
    6pm—7.30pm

    Join writing workshops hosted by a local author, with tips for writing in all genres.

  • Two toddler girls point at a book. One is wearing a pick top with flowers on it and wears here hair in bunches. The other has dark hair and wears a white top.

    Stories & Rhymes

    Fridays
    11am—12pm

    Join our librarians for a fun, interactive session with books and songs for babies, toddlers and their adults. No need to book, just turn up.

  • Lego Club

    Saturdays
    2pm—4pm

    Join our friendly Lego club and see where your imagination takes you! Ages 6+. No need to book, just turn up.

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Information

Open times

TEMPORARY CLOSURE!

Please visit this link for the latest information regarding the closure.

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair access

  • Lift to the first floor

  • Toilets with disabled access

  • Parking for blue badge holders nearby

Address

Hackney Central Library
1 Reading Lane
E8 1GQ

Get in touch

020 8356 2513

hackneycentral.library@hackney.gov.uk