Temporary Closure of Fullwell Cross Library

Fullwell Cross Library will temporarily close from Sunday, 5 May, until Summer 2024. This will enable refurbishment works to take place throughout the children’s and adult lending libraries.

The library has been awarded £380,000 from the Library Improvement Fund for an ambitious transformation programme for Fullwell Cross Library, the borough’s second-largest library.

The funding will support essential library upgrades, including vital repairs, renovations, and an enhanced digital offer.

During the closure period, customers can visit any of our other libraries to return, borrow or reserve books.

The closest open libraries are:

• Gants Hill Library, 490 Cranbrook Rd, IG2 6LA
• Hainault Library, 100 Manford Way, IG7 4DD

Renewals and reservations can also be made online or on the mylibrary app.

The virtual library is available 24/7 by visiting our Online Resources page

The library halls will remain open until further notice and will be refurbished later in the year.

Chair of Vision Trustees, Martin Solder, said:“Together with Redbridge Council, we're shaping a brighter, more dynamic future for Fullwell Cross Library and our community. As we temporarily close our doors for refurbishment, we pave the way for an ambitious development project of this much-loved library.

"During this period, customers can use any of our neighbouring libraries or take advantage of our virtual library.”

Mark Baigent, Corporate Director of Regeneration and Culture, said: "We’re very excited to start work as part of our £380,000 investment programme, which will deliver significant improvements to this much-loved community facility in the heart of Barkingside.

"The funding will be vital in helping to create a more modern and flexible library at Fullwell Cross. It will offer a range of new activities while still respecting and celebrating the heritage of this iconic building.

When the library reopens this summer, it will offer users a far more contemporary, comfortable, and enriching experience that embraces the digital age.

"While these works are ongoing, people are welcome to use our other nearby libraries, including Hainault and Gants Hill.”

For further updates on the Fullwell Cross Library renovation project, visit the Fullwell Cross Library page.

 About the funding:

The project is one of 43 successful library projects being funded through the libraries improvement strand of the Government’s Cultural Investment Fund, administered by Arts Council England - the national development agency for creativity and culture.

The £20.5 million Libraries Improvement Fund transforms public library services in England by helping them upgrade their buildings and improve their digital infrastructure so they are better positioned to respond to changing user needs.

This is the third round of the fund, with 52 projects already benefiting from around £10 million of funding in previous rounds.