Wandsworth’s ambitious plan for libraries puts them at the heart of the community

At a time when many councils are scaling back, Wandsworth is investing in its 11 libraries as vital community hubs. The strategy, approved by Wandsworth’s Cabinet yesterday, outlines an ambitious action plan to ensure libraries remain inclusive, innovative, and accessible to all.

Over the next year, exciting plans include trialling longer opening hours, refurbishing the children’s libraries at Balham and Battersea Park, upgrading IT facilities across all libraries, reviewing study spaces, expanding our eBook offer for young people, and introducing extra initiatives such as Maths and English tutoring, basic digital skills training and wireless printing.

As a listening Council, the Libraries First! strategy was shaped in consultation with residents, library users, community partners, Council services, and the Council's delivery partner Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL). It aligns with Wandsworth’s broader goals of creating a fairer, more compassionate, and sustainable borough.

With over 1.3 million physical items borrowed and nearly 4,000 events held in 2024 alone, Wandsworth’s libraries are already among the best performing in the country. This strategy aims to build on that success and ensure libraries continue to evolve with the needs of the community.

Judi Gasser, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said: “Libraries are the beating heart of Wandsworth. They are sanctuaries of peace, learning, connection, and are a vital source of support for so many people.

“We’re incredibly proud that our much-loved and award-winning libraries are bucking the trend, and were some of the highest performing in the country last year, helped along by the opening of our brand-new Wandsworth Town and Northcote libraries, and the refurbishment of Putney Library.

“This strategy ensures we can continue to build on this success, aiming to get more of our residents to visit, especially those who can benefit most from the many services and activities on offer from the Council and our partners.

“Our aim is to ensure our libraries continue to serve every resident, whether it’s a child discovering books for the first time, a jobseeker accessing digital tools, or a family looking for a warm, welcoming space.”

To deliver the Libraries First! strategy, Cabinet also approved the extension of GLL’s contract to manage the borough’s libraries for another two years to 31 March 2028, with the ability to extend for a further year.

Key actions in the Libraries First! strategy

The strategy is built around nine themes, each with targeted actions to enhance services and reach more residents:

Access for All 

Trialling extended opening hours at key libraries to ensure more people can access our libraries at convenient times, and a new Access for All library service for eligible residents, including free reservations, no fines and room hire discounts.

Community connection

More fun, free and affordable social events, English conversation groups, and more libraries designated as Safe Havens for refugees.

Learning

Improved study spaces with extended opening hours, digital literacy programmes, and partnerships with schools and local organisations to improve access to educational resources and tutoring.

Reading

Universal library membership for children, refurbished children’s libraries in Battersea and Balham, revamped library app, and expanded eBook access.

Wellbeing

Friendly spaces for children with special educational needs and disabilities, health information hubs, and activities like yoga and coffee mornings to support mental and physical health.

Information

Libraries of Sanctuary accreditation, voter and political literacy programmes, and better signposting to council services.

Culture

More arts events, exhibitions, and support for local artists, including during Wandsworth’s year as London Borough of Culture 2025.

Digital inclusion

New computers, wireless printing, and digital skills training in partnership with local charities.

Sustainability

“Sustainability corners”, climate literacy events, and energy-efficient upgrades to library buildings.

Get involved

Explore what’s on offer at your local library, volunteer, or share ideas by contacting the team at administration.libraries@gll.org

Read the Libraries First! strategy

More information is available at wandsworth.gov.uk/libraries