New extended library hours now in place at Battersea Park and York Gardens

Starting Monday 1 September, we introduced permanent, longer opening hours at Battersea Park and York Gardens Libraries to make it easier for people to access services at times that suit them best.

Extending library opening hours aim to make libraries more accessible to everyone, whether you're studying, borrowing books, attending events, or simply enjoying a quiet space. 

This expansion of longer hours follows the successful extension of hours at Roehampton Library, which has had temporary longer hours in place for the past two years as part of our cost-of-living response. These hours are also now permanent.

Libraries First! is our five-year plan to put libraries at the heart of the community, offering welcoming spaces for reading, learning, working, and connecting.

The new opening hours

Battersea Park Library

Previously, Battersea Park Library was closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays, but with the expansion of hours, it is now open six days a week:

• Monday and Tuesday: 9am to 7pm
• Wednesday, Thursday and Friday: 9am to 5pm
• Saturday: 9.30am to 2.30pm
• Sunday: closed

York Gardens Library

Before the expansion, York Gardens Library was closed on Mondays and would shut at 2.30pm on Saturdays. Now, the library is open six days a week and for longer on Saturdays:

• Monday and Saturday: 9.30am to 5pm
• Tuesday: 12pm to 6pm
• Wednesday: 10am to 7pm
• Thursday: 12pm to 5pm
• Friday: 11am to 5pm
• Sunday: closed

These changes mean more opportunities for people to access study spaces, attend events, borrow books, and use digital services. In addition, this reflects the council’s commitment to keeping libraries open and responsive to community needs. As a listening council, we will continue to monitor the hours our libraries are open and listen to what residents want from their community spaces, to ensure everyone has equal access to the facilities they need.

Judi Gasser, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said:

“Extending opening hours is a key part of our Libraries First! strategy to ensure these vital community spaces are accessible to everyone, whether you're a student needing a quiet study space, a parent attending a children’s activity, or someone looking for a warm, welcoming place to connect with others.”

“We’re proud to be investing in our libraries at a time when many councils are scaling back. This is another step in making our libraries more inclusive and central to community life.”

More than just longer hours

The Libraries First! strategy is a five-year plan to put libraries at the heart of the community. Alongside extended hours, the council will be delivering:

• New Access for All support, which also includes free reservations, no late fines, and discounted room hire for eligible residents
• Refurbished children’s libraries at Balham and Battersea Park
• Improved study spaces and upgraded IT facilities
• Expanded eBook and audiobook access and universal library membership for children
• Free digital skills training and wireless printing
• More arts and cultural events, exhibitions, and support for local artists, especially during our year as London Borough of Culture 2025
• New Sustainability Corners will promote climate literacy and energy-efficient upgrades
• Becoming accredited as ‘Libraries of Sanctuary’

Find your nearest library and register to join the library today.

Find out more about the Libraries First! Strategy

Wandsworth Libraries are managed by Greenwich Leisure Ltd (GLL), a charitable social enterprise, under the brand Better Libraries.