New library operating model

In February 2025, Enfield Council approved its updated Library Strategy, designed to modernise and improve its library services while managing the financial pressures faced by all councils across England. The new operating model will be implemented on 7 July 2025.

The strategy, shaped by the views of our communities, ensures the long-term sustainability of the borough's library network by keeping 9 key libraries and strengthening their role as community hubs.

Following feedback from more than 2,400 residents and stakeholders, the council has confirmed that Oakwood Library, initially considered for closure, will remain open. Enfield Council has listened to the views of our communities and this decision reflects residents’ strong support for the library and its essential role in local life.

Alongside Oakwood Library, the council is committed to improving the libraries at:

• Ordnance Unity Centre
• Edmonton Green
• Ponders End
• Fore Street
• Millfield House
• Palmers Green
• Enfield Town
• Ridge Avenue

These libraries received nearly 9 out of 10 visits during 2023/24, demonstrating that they are extremely well-used by our communities across the borough. The council is also in talks with the landlords of Enfield Island Village Library. The council is looking at options to turn this library into a community space.

These 9 libraries will see improvements, ensuring they remain welcoming and outstanding spaces. The strategy also strengthens the council’s commitment to digital services and the home library service, ensuring support for residents who cannot visit in person.

Enfield libraries will continue to offer a great range of services, including free access to books, digital resources, study spaces, warm spaces, health and wellbeing support, and community activities for all ages whether you’re the parent of a toddler, a student, or a pensioner. Over the next financial year alone, £1.5 million will be invested in making our libraries more modern, accessible, and sustainable.

This new library network will serve as a model of excellence, with over 8 out of 10 residents remaining within a 25-minute walk of a library and over 9 out of 10 residents living within a 20-minute public transport journey of a library.

Read the Library Strategy 2025-2030 (PDF, 1571.38 KB).

Frequently Asked Questions

Which libraries will close, and which will remain open?

We will:

• Keep the library service at:
  • Ordnance Unity Centre
  • Edmonton Green
  • Ponders End
  • Fore Street
  • Millfield House
  • Palmers Green
  • Oakwood
  • Enfield Town
  • Ridge Avenue
• Keep the home library service and digital library service
• Close the library service at:
  • Bullsmoor
  • Enfield Highway
  • Enfield Island Village
  • Bowes Road
  • Southgate
  • Winchmore Hill
  • John Jackson
• Formally declassify Angel Raynham located within the primary school as a public library

Which is my nearest library and how do I travel there?

The map below will help you to identify your nearest library and how you can travel there.

What are the opening hours for the libraries?

The new opening hours will operate from 7 July 2025. The table below outlines the opening hours for the 9 libraries.

What are the activities and events in libraries?

There are events and activities for people of all ages in libraries.

What if I have borrowed a book from a library which will close?

You can return your library book at any Enfield library. To support you in this transition, we will automatically extend the return date for your book by 3 weeks.

Can I arrange a familiarisation visit at a library?

If you feel nervous or anxious about visiting or joining a new library, please email libraryservices@enfield.gov.uk to arrange a familiarisation visit. In these visits, a member of our team will show you around the library and explain what events and activities are happening there.

How do I select a new ‘home library’ to collect books and stock from?

A ‘home library’ is the library that you are most likely to use the most and where any reservations you make will automatically go to.

We will automatically transfer residents from the following libraries to their nearest library listed below.

If you would like to be transferred to a different ‘home library’, please speak to a member of the team in a library or email libraryservices@enfield.gov.uk.

What if I have ordered a book for collection at a library which will close?

Reservations which have been ordered for collection at one of the libraries that are scheduled to close will go to your new ‘home’ library after 8 July.

What is the closest parking available to the libraries?