Hackney Central Library

A great library with a huge selection of literature to borrow. I spend all my reading time here.

I love this Library. As I am quite a bookworm, I spend most of my time there. The actual Library is located above a little Museum, which is fairly convenient I’d say.
It has a great range of books, as most libraries do, and has self service machines as well, so you can do most of what you want yourself. Then again, I guess most libraries have these by now.
You can borrow up to 11 books and are given 2 weeks to read it before you return it. During that time, you can renew it for another 2 weeks if you need longer to read it.

I have had a library card since I was three. I finally joined the Hackney Central Library just before Christmas and I am very glad I did. The library is right next door to the town hall, upstairs in a bright modern space. There is a reasonable selection of books (I grabbed a number of good books on photography as well as a recent scifi novel I have been looking for). In addition to books they have a large collection of CDs, videos, and DVDs to rent. You are allowed to rent up to 14 items at a time. As well as a good collection of magazines and newspapers if you feel like hanging out. The children’s section looks very useful for those of you with kids. The library also offers photocopying and a scanning service. To join just bring in some form of photo ID (I used my Australian driving license) and proof of residency in Hackney. One of the best features of joining is you have reciprocal borrowing rights at other libraries (e.g., Shoreditch or Stoke Newington); so if you are ever in these areas and want to borrow go ahead (or order in) and then return to the Hackney Central Library at no cost.

I remember when this library was nothing special, but since they done up the building, this is really a nice and modern library. Almost feels like a book store.
They have a great selection of books and an impressive selection of DVDs to rent.
This may no longer be my local area, but I still have my Hackney library card!

As the name suggests, this is the central library for Hackney, and one of the largest I’ve seen in London outside of the universities. That said, I have not always been pleased with the variety of books on offer here. For example, the cooking and computer sections are both under-​represented, a disappointment for me as they’re the ones I make a beeline for in any place of reading. Besides the books, there are copying machines, an extensive music and DVD area and a normally-​less-​than-​silent study area. The Hackney Museum is downstairs, alongside a café.

As Library’s go I’d have to say this isn’t the best I’ve been to, but I can’t complain. I love public Library’s, it’s a shame more people don’t make use of them. Free internet, you can borrow up to 10 books at a time and you can even rent out films.
The book collection is fairly limited, particularly for those looking for creative reference books. I’m always searching for photography & film books, and the Hackney library has a very small selection. Perhaps because there are so many people working in the creative industries, that they have all been taken out!!!
Once you’re a member, you can use other library’s and even order a specific book you are looking for. And with free membership, what are you waiting for?

Huge library in the heart of Hackney Central, that also houses Hackney Museum.
Now i usually like my libraries small and local, where you can pop in, browse the books, maybe use the free Internet, all at your own pace. This library is different. It’s always really buzzing, this is the library to come to to get things done!
There’s a LOT of public computers available, although they can sometimes be a bit slow, and loads of seating areas for you to have a read, do some writing or just ponder life.
The staff are really friendly, and their book collection (being the biggest library in Hackney) is fantastic, especially for study aids. Oh, and check out the Museum too — the history of what is at once a deprived borough with serious crime problems, and the trendiest place in London to live!

I haven’t been a member of a library for quite sometime, and I managed to forget the incredible amount of free things that comes with being one. I have frequented Hackney Library ever since becoming a member a few months ago.
First of all, free films!!! Amazing! The only problem is that the collection of decent films will only keep you going for a couple of months. The library is probably the only interaction I have with c.d.‘s in this technological age. They are free to hire and there is actually some really good stuff. If the c.d.‘s and books have not been there for a certain amount of time then you have to pay a small amount to hire them.
The book collection is huge and diverse, and the abundance of computers are free to use. There is also scanning and printing available. I can’t believe I neglected the library for so many years.