As part of the council’s planned refurbishment, the library will get a ‘reconfigured floorplan’, reports Miriam Balanescu

Muswell Hill Library is set to close for ‘major refurbishments’ from today (26th June) until early 2024.

Haringey Council announced on 19th June that the library would be shut until early next year so that residents could ‘look forward to improved and more accessible library facilities’.

The improvements include installing a new lift and accessible toilet, new ‘bespoke’ lighting, furniture, interior redecoration and ‘a reconfigured floorplan’.

The council has said this is part of a programme which has been investing £4.9million in libraries across the borough. Set to reopen in spring 2024, the council has advised that local residents access library services at Alexandra Park Library (Alexandra Park Rd, N22 7UJ), Hornsey Library (Haringey Park, N8 9JA) or online.

Highgate Library also remains closed while similar refurbishment takes place, while the council has faced criticism over closure of other public leisure facilities including Tottenham Green Pools and Fitness and Park Road Leisure Centre in recent months.

Cllr Emily Arkell, cabinet member for culture, communities and leisure, said: “We are proud of our libraries in Haringey and are investing to make sure they are high quality, accessible spaces for the whole community. We have put over £4.9million into transforming libraries across the borough over a four-year period, and Muswell Hill is the latest to benefit.

“The works will make the library fully accessible for all users with a new lift and accessible toilet, following designs which have been produced in close collaboration with library users and stakeholders including the Friends group.

“Due to the significant nature of these improvements, a prolonged closure is unfortunately necessary, but in the long run residents will benefit from an improved and accessible library which is fit for the future.

“During the closure, Muswell Hill Library users can access services at nearby Alexandra Park Library, which recently opened following its own improvement works, as well as Hornsey Library and online. Items borrowed from Muswell Hill Library can be returned and renewed at any council-run library in Haringey, or in any local authority area which is a member of The Libraries Consortium.”

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