Haringey unveiled the impressive refurbishment of Muswell Hill Library and welcomed Baroness Fiona Twycross to see the transformation.
The Minister with responsibility for libraries joined Council Leader Councillor Peray Ahmet, Cabinet Member Cllr Emily Arkell and the Friends’ group for the official re-opening of the much-loved community hub. The upgrade boasts a new lift and accessible toilets as well as a reconfigured floorplan.
New bespoke lighting and furniture has been installed, alongside a complete redecoration of the library’s interior. A designated area has been created for local young people to learn and study.
The improvements are part of the council’s £4.9m investment to enhance library provision across the borough. It is the first time in more than five years that all nine Haringey libraries are open simultaneously following upgrades to several sites.
Cllr Emily Arkell, Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure, said: “We are thrilled to re-open Muswell Hill Library and especially pleased to welcome Baroness Twycross to see first-hand the transformation of this valued community hub.
“In spite of the financial challenges we’re facing, the fact that all nine of our libraries are now open simultaneously for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic should be a source of pride and satisfaction to everyone who – like me – loves and really values this provision. We’ve future-proofed the facilities in this and other libraries across Haringey with the significant investment we’ve made in them, ensuring they are accessible and welcoming – and remain at the heart of the community – for many more years to come.”
Libraries Minister Baroness Twycross said: “I'm delighted to have seen the wonderful transformation of Muswell Hill Library.
“Libraries are the beating heart of our communities, providing essential access to learning, books and safe spaces for all ages. The reopening of Muswell Hill Library is great for residents across the borough and will continue to act as a cherished community hub for local people.”
The permanent Haringey Libraries Service opening hours went live last week. The switch will give Haringey residents increased certainty over the availability of library provision across the borough.
Two of the borough’s three main libraries – Hornsey in the west and Marcus Garvey in the east – will operate a seven-day service, with the third (Wood Green) opening its doors six days a week.
Half of Haringey’s six branch libraries – Coombes Croft (six days), Muswell Hill (five days) and St Ann’s (five days) – will welcome residents for at least five days of the week, with Alexandra Park, Highgate and Stroud Green and Harringay opening for four.
This new operating model was approved at Cabinet in December 2024 following an extensive engagement process involving library users from across Haringey.
It is based on the principle of equity, prioritising our limited resources to retain longer opening hours in the libraries serving communities with the greatest needs in our borough.
