Wandsworth Town Library celebrates beating heart of Wandsworth

The brand-new Wandsworth Town Library has been officially opened by Lord Alf Dubs and Wandsworth Mayor Juliana Annan, signalling the Council’s ongoing commitment to investing in libraries and placing them at the centre of our communities.

The large new Wandsworth Town Library is one of two brand new libraries recently completed alongside Northcote Library; while others have had upgrades in recent times, with York Gardens, Tooting and Putney libraries all getting new investment.

Simon Hogg, Leader of the Council said: “Our libraries right across the borough are fantastic places for our local community to not only borrow books, but to also access many other services that are crucial to our people to continue to thrive.

“They really are the beating heart of our communities and offer something for absolutely everyone, no matter who you are.

“Our libraries enrich the lives of those who use them and I’m proud that this Council will continue to support that with further investment and commitment to maintaining and improving them.”

Councillor Judi Gasser, Wandsworth’s Cabinet Member for Environment said: “Our libraries are some of the most important spaces in our borough. 

“We absolutely love our libraries and I know the people of Wandsworth do too. They’re so important to us as a council, especially when we look around the rest of London and unfortunately see many of them closing their doors.”

While there are tens of thousands of physical books and audiobooks held in Wandsworth Town Library, the library service also offers eBooks, magazines, newspapers, and other reading materials for all ages.

People will also find plenty of other things available to them that they may not have otherwise thought of. Things such as acoustic pods for people who want a quiet place to study, printing and photocopiers, computers and tablets for people who may need a device to access the internet, free Wi-Fi, and meeting spaces that can be hired out. There is also a programme of regular activities for all ages.

Given all libraries in Wandsworth are council-owned and managed on a day-to-day basis by charitable social enterprise GLL – the country’s largest public libraries provider, it means that they are also stocked full of information from the council that people may find helpful. Friendly staff on site at all libraries can help point you in the direction of the right council services and help available to you.

Libraries around the borough are also doing a huge amount to help people through the ongoing Cost of Living crisis. Information on where to get support, a warm space for people to go so they don’t need to use heating at home, as well as free activities, free group sessions and engagement with other members of their community in a safe and warm space are all provided. 

Find out when your local library is open and what you can find there. Or go in and talk to one of our friendly members of staff that can help you.