New chapter begins for new look Finsbury Library

The new look Finsbury Library has officially re-opened – with better shelving for books, CDs, and DVDs; improved seating and more study space and power points to make it even easier for local people who want to come in and work.

245 St John Street is now home to the library, Islington Museum, Local History Centre, the Ben Kinsella Exhibition, the Islington Computer Skills Centre, and the area Housing Office.

Like all libraries in the borough, Finsbury Library has free Wi-Fi and computer access.

Islington Council’s executive member for economic and community development, Cllr Asima Shaikh, said: “Thanks to these improvement works, it’s now even easier for local people to come in and work, to go online and get the information they need.

“Finsbury Library is much more than just a building with books. It’s a hub of south Islington’s community. A place where people can access different worlds: through its museums and exhibitions; through its computers and online services; or through its rich range of books and stories, music and DVDs. 

“Residents will now be able to use our full range of library services, plus attend pre-booked housing appointments, in the same building.

“I’m grateful for the patience for all those who were affected while we carried out these essential works to make one of our most popular libraries better than it was before.”

Describing the new-look library, local resident, Neil, who has used the service for ten years, said it was "bright, spacious, comfortable. There's more space and more connections for people using computers." 

Following the renovations, the library is now open for longer. It’s current opening hours are:

• 9am-8pm on Monday and Thursday; and

• 9am-5pm on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.

A range of regular activities take place in the library, including:

• Weekly Baby Bounce session

• Weekly Under 5s’ story and rhyme time

• Children’s Homework Club every Monday evening

• Monthly Reading Group meetings (Adult group and Teen group)

• Class visits for local schoolchildren

• IT classes and 1:1 support for less confident PC users