Haringey (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Muswell Hill Library in Haringey has reopened after nearly two years of refurbishment, offering improved facilities and a refreshed space for the community.
The library boasts new furniture and lighting, a special space for youth, an accessible restroom and elevator, and more since reopening on Monday, the 29th.
The Friends of Muswell Hill Library organization expressed their satisfaction with the finished project but voiced worries about the cuts.
The Haringey Council decided in December 2024 to shorten the hours of operation at its nine libraries in order to save money, therefore the library is no longer open on Thursdays.
Previously available for business 57 hours a week, Muswell Hill is currently only open for 41 hours.
Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9.30 am to 6 pm and Saturdays from 10 am to 5 pm are the hours of operation.
Friends of Muswell Hill Library chair Iain Smith stated that the organization was not “complacent.”
He said:
“Libraries are too easy to target when budget cuts loom. Haringey has protected its capital investment in libraries over the years which is great. But the struggle to fend off future running cost cuts goes on.
At the friends group we are doing more than just protest cuts, our aim is to fill the library and pack it full of interesting, educational and entertaining stuff so that its benefits grow and become even more obvious to more and more people.
We totally understand the position councils are in. We must help them deliver better value for money to better impact the lives of their citizens. Only by doing that will libraries survive.”
Residents also raised concerns over the delays to the library’s reopening, which was planned for spring but was pushed back after the original contractor, hired to carry out the works, went into liquidation.
Reacting to the reopening, the council’s cabinet member for culture and leisure, Emily Arkell, said:
“We are thrilled to reopen Muswell Hill Library following its transformation and cannot wait for our residents to explore and experience this brand-new community hub.
Our residents will benefit from improved facilities and new interior designs. The library will also be bolstered by a new accessible toilet and lift on-site, as well as a designated area for local young people to learn and study.
We’re sorry that the project has been delayed beyond its original timeframe due to problems outside of the council’s control associated with the previous contractor.
We also needed to ensure that the revised staffing levels at our libraries and the new operating hours were in place before re-opening. We’re grateful to the local community for their patience and are excited to welcome them all back now.
Our £4.9m investment in this and other libraries across Haringey underlines our commitment to future proofing facilities so they are welcoming, accessible and remain at the heart of the community for generations to come.
Libraries belong to all of us in Haringey and I’m proud we have kept all of them open despite the financial challenges we face.”
What accessibility improvements were added during the refurbishment?
Installation of a lift for step-free access across floors for wheelchair users and people with mobility impairments.
Installation of an accessible toilet which has been updated to be compliant with modern standards of use for people with disabilities.
Installation of new, improved lighting and furniture designed for better visibility and comfort to support users with visual impairments and other needs. An updated floorplan and entrances to the building has enabled wider widths through doors and improved accessibility to accommodate wheelchairs and walkers.
Digital and tactile signage has been installed to support navigation for people with visual impairments. Designated quiet study and community spaces will be developed to have easy access and use for people with different physical abilities.