Work begins on refurbishing Balham Children’s Library

The refurbishment will create a brighter, modern and more welcoming space for local families, designed to support early literacy, creativity and learning. The upgraded children’s library will include cosy reading corners, flexible space for story sessions, new furniture and shelving, improved lighting, and sensory-friendly elements for younger visitors.

This is part of our Libraries First! strategy: a wider programme of long-term investment across all 11 of the borough’s libraries, including improvements to IT facilities, study spaces and digital access.

Works are due to complete by summer. A temporary children’s library downstairs will ensure young readers can continue to enjoy books and activities while the works take place. This temporary move means there will be reduced study and IT space during this transformation period, but the library staff are on hand to offer support.

Balham is one of our busiest libraries, and we’re proud to share that all regular activities (such as baby rhyme times, craft clubs, digital inclusion events, the dementia café and more) are uninterrupted by the works and continuing to run throughout the renovations. We have also set up new study spaces in the main area of the library and are opening the hall at Balham Library more often, three times a week, as a teen study space.

These Balham library improvements are paid for with funds the council has collected from property developers, at no extra cost to local taxpayers.

This project builds on the recent refurbishment of Putney Library and the opening of new modern branches at Wandsworth Town and Northcote. Further improvements are planned across the borough, including refurbishing Battersea Park Children’s Library, restoring the historic glass roof at Battersea Reference Library, and investment in a new, modern Roehampton Library in the new Alton community hub building, which would include an adult and children's library, IT and study space, bookable rooms and flexible layouts for community use.

Judi Gasser, Cabinet Member for Children said:

“Every child deserves a warm, inspiring place to fall in love with reading. Libraries are one of the beating hearts of our communities, and this investment shows our commitment to giving families the very best spaces to learn, explore and have fun.”

“We’re proud that Wandsworth is investing in libraries and ensuring they remain inclusive, innovative and accessible to all.”

With more than 1.3 million books and other items borrowed and around 4,000 events held a year, Wandsworth libraries continue to be among the best performing in the country. We encourage a love of reading from birth, with the Dolly Parton Imagination Library already delivering free books to over 6,800 children across Wandsworth every month.

Delivering our Libraries First! strategy

The Libraries First! strategy sets out a five‑year vision to place libraries at the heart of community life, ensuring they remain welcoming places where residents can read, learn new skills, try new hobbies, and spend time in safe, peaceful and inclusive spaces. The refurbishment of Balham Library’s children’s area is a key early milestone in this work.

Learn more about the Libraries First! strategy

Balham Forum

We set up the Balham Forum to find out what Balham means to you and what you are proud of, as well as hear your suggestions for what could be better. As well as improvements to Balham Library, your feedback has led to the new Balham Neighbourhood Wardens, who patrol the streets to help keep them safe, more CCTV coverage and environmental improvements such as jet washing.

Community Spaces at Wandsworth libraries

Our libraries across Wandsworth also serve as Community Spaces during the colder months, offering warm drinks, a friendly chat with neighbours, and easy access to support and council services.

Check out our Community Spaces directory to find out what is available in your neighbourhood.