Visitors to Hornsey library will enjoy a bright new library space and more modern facilities as part of an improvement project that will see more than £1milllion invested in the building.

The Grade II listed building in Crouch End will see internal improvements including new furniture and IT equipment, an improved children’s library section and a refurbished main entrance and main library, alongside essential internal and external maintenance work, roof repairs and a new heating system.

While delivering more modern facilities, the work will respect the architectural character and history of the original library, with minimum impact on the structure of the building. There are no plans for any new services to be introduced.

The improvements, due to start next year, are part of Haringey Council’s commitment to investing in a modern library service, and will follow a detailed review of requirements in February to establish the scale of work needed.

Haringey’s Council Cabinet Member for Culture, Cllr Bernice Vanier, said: “Hornsey Library is rightly much loved and valued by the local community, but it is in need of a little TLC. As well as carrying out essential maintenance works, we want to make sure library visitors can enjoy updated facilities and a more welcoming environment.

“The work to Hornsey Library is part of our ongoing commitment to maintaining and improving library provision in Haringey. We know how important libraries are to our residents and I’m proud that we’ve kept all of the boroughs nine libraries open despite huge funding cute from central government. I’m really looking forward to seeing the works take shape and I hope local people will be excited by the plans.”

Information boards detailing the history of the library and the planned works will be on display in the library from mid-December. The works onsite are expected to take 10 to 12 months to complete, with further detail expected following the review.