New chapter for Balham children’s library with better and brighter facilities

The refurbished areas reopened recently with modern, flexible spaces designed to inspire a love of reading, support learning and skills development, and provide a comfortable place to socialise, study and take part in activities.

Upgrades to both the children’s library and the neighbouring teen library include new furniture, shelving, flooring and decoration, alongside air-conditioning to keep the spaces comfortable throughout the year. The children’s library has also been redesigned with a forest theme, improved baby changing facilities and a new interactive projector to support sensory and play-based learning.

Councillor Tom Pridham, Cabinet Member for Opportunity, said: “Wandsworth's libraries offer safe and connected places to be, so I'm delighted that young people and children in Balham now have a better and brighter environment to enjoy reading and crafts, as well as more places to study and learn with device charging and new desks.

“Bringing this town centre library up to modern standards, the children's library now has air-conditioning which provides a welcome cool space for families this summer.”

Tash, Children’s Librarian at Balham Library, added: “Our new library is such an amazing improvement! The space has been completely altered and is now light, airy and a fun, clean environment for the kids.

“The new layout allows for a craft area separate from the main Story Time area, so we can have multiple activities on at the same time or move from one into the next quickly. Kids are very excited with the new furniture, like the soft log seats, and having extra shelf space has allowed for a better browsing experience and more exciting book displays to capture attention.”

This refurbishment was funded through contributions the council levied from local developments, helping to invest in community facilities and neighbourhood improvements.

During the refurbishment works, additional desks were added to the main library area downstairs. Now the refurbishment upstairs has completed, these additional study spaces have remained available due to their popularity with adult library users.

Balham Library is one of Wandsworth’s busiest libraries, welcoming families, children and young people throughout the year to take part in activities, access learning opportunities and enjoy reading in a safe and welcoming environment. The improvements ensure the library can continue supporting children and young people for years to come.

Summer Reading Challenge 2026

The refreshed spaces reopen just in time for the Summer Reading Challenge, which takes place across Wandsworth libraries each year. To celebrate, Balham Library and Putney Library are hosting Super Sign-up Saturday events on Saturday 4 July, encouraging children to sign up and take part in a summer of reading and discovery. To join the Summer Reading Challenge, head to Balham or Putney this Saturday, or speak to the librarian in your local library to sign up: find your nearest library.