Hounslow’s 11 libraries already offer top-tier access, with all residents within 2km. Now, they’ll provide even more community support being a central hub for employment assistance, financial advice, skills development, health, wellbeing, and more
Hounslow Council is expanding its library services to include vital community support, making libraries a central hub for employment assistance, financial advice, skills development, health, wellbeing, and more. This initiative aims to bring essential services closer to residents’ doorsteps, fostering greater accessibility and engagement within local communities.
The borough already boasts some of the best library access in the country, with all residents living within 2km of one of Hounslow’s 11 libraries. Now, these spaces will offer even more value to the community by integrating a wider range of support services.
Feltham Library is the latest to join the initiative, adding a new Community Hub to its offerings. Due to the overwhelming success of its existing Thursday hub, the Council has decided to relocate its Tuesday Community Hub from Feltham Assembly Hall to Feltham Library. This change, effective immediately, will ensure that residents can now access support services every Tuesday from 1 to 4 PM at a more centrally located venue.
Situated in a prime high street location, Feltham Library sees hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. It already hosts a variety of activities, including story and rhyme time for children, holiday crafts, a book club, and an English conversation group for adults. As one of Hounslow’s larger libraries, it also accommodates the Council’s adult education team, with Hounslow Citizens Advice conveniently located next door. The introduction of the new Community Hub will further enhance its role as a key resource for residents seeking guidance and support.
The Council is confident that the combination of high footfall and expanded services will make the new Tuesday Community Hub accessible to many more people in need. By consolidating resources and expertise within library spaces, Hounslow aims to create a welcoming and practical environment for residents seeking help with various aspects of their lives.
Cllr Ajmer Grewal, Cabinet Member for Residents Support, Communities and Equalities, emphasised the importance of the initiative, saying: “This year, we are bringing our libraries and community hubs together, combining their excellent offers, skills, and services, and making them accessible to everyone in Hounslow. Whether you need space to work, study, or simply unwind and connect with other local people, our friendly team can help. Visit our website for information about existing community hubs, and keep an eye on your local library, which may be hosting one soon.”
Cllr Salman Shaheen, Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Public Spaces, echoed this sentiment: “Our libraries already supply a broad range of services beyond the traditional offer, from free digital magazines, films, and newspapers to support with finding work and even tracing a long-lost relative. We have something for everyone. We look forward to welcoming more community hubs into our libraries and further expanding our offer to local people, close to home.”
As the programme develops, residents are encouraged to take advantage of these enhanced library services and explore the new opportunities available to them. With the transformation of libraries into thriving community hubs, Hounslow Council continues its commitment to providing inclusive and accessible support for all its residents.
