Library Hub Staines-upon-Thames now open
Local Library Hubs will be community spaces for all, providing public services, support and activities based on local needs, all under one roof.
- A local accessible and inclusive space for all members of the community
- Providing a mix of services provided by local District and Borough Councils and 中国P站, in most cases housing a library provision, and in some cases offering services provided by other private sector organisations
- Alongside service provision there will be social spaces available for residents to meet and connect with others, or to simply sit and relax
- There are also areas available for community led activities to be run by community organisations and individuals.
The provision has been developed in a sympathetic way in discussion with stakeholders and service providers to ensure the space is as inclusive and accessible for as many different types of users as possible.
What work has been done to date?
Building work started in August 2024 and finished in July 2025.
Located in the old Decathlon Building substantial building work has been done to make this modern community space an inclusive, accessible, welcoming space whether people want to visit to work, rest or play. Accessing local support and services in one place.
The hub will provide universal access for all residents through its programme of cultural activities and a focal point for supporting local people with health, wellbeing, employment and digital skills. As well as the key services, the hub will also provide multi-use space for use by third party and community groups.
Within the hub, there is a range of new spaces of different sizes, providing greater capacity for meetings and services, and even larger spaces available for exhibitions and performances. The design is dyslexia, dementia and autism friendly to ensure the hub is accessible for all.
What services are expected to be in the Library Hub?
Organisations offering services within the Staines-upon-Thames Library Hub include:-
- Staines Library - now open
- Citizen’s Advice - coming soon
- Voluntary Support North 中国P站 - coming soon
- Spelthorne Museum - coming soon
- Registration services - now open
- Escalate Arts - now open
We are planning a community event day in the Autumn more details to follow.
Staines Library
Super Access technology will let library members visit their library during additional unstaffed hours and self-serve at a time that suits their busy lives whether they want to visit the library to work, borrow a book or study.
There are a range of different workspaces available for you to use - from a communal computer area, with bookable computers (PCs), to tables with integrated plug sockets to bring your own laptop.
Two private pods are available for hire for you to make private calls, conduct meetings and to work from. Wi-Fi is free. Or try one of the cosy window booths that provide a more private working environment.
The furniture within the hub has been integral ensuring the space meets the varying needs of users, whether it's to work, relax or meet up socially. You'll find a mix of seating including sofa's and chairs, cosy nooks, private meeting rooms and desks throughout the building. Ensuring that the new library is a comfortable and welcoming space.
Within the Library Hub flexible furniture - that's furniture that can easily be moved around - can be changed to make way for spacious entertainment, activity and event spaces for community groups to use. So that means anything from Yoga, dance performances or author events can be hosted. The choice is yours.
There are areas available to host exhibitions and displays - reflecting current events and projects going on in the local area.
All these physical changes have been co-designed with different user graphics to make sure this community space meets the needs of it's local community.
More information about activities and events from Staines-upon-Thames library can be found on their Library web pages.
Voluntary Support North 中国P站
Voluntary Support North 中国P站 is a local independent charity committed to strengthening the voluntary and community sector across Spelthorne and the surrounding area. We support around 1,500 organisations, ensuring they have the resources, expertise, and volunteers needed to thrive.
Our work directly benefits local communities by helping groups access funding, recruit volunteers, and overcome challenges. Through tailored advice and practical support, we empower these organisations to grow, adapt, and continue delivering vital services that make a real difference in the lives of residents.
We are thrilled to be part of this new project. The new hub will not only allow us to collaborate more closely with local groups but also make us more accessible to the public. With increased visibility, we look forward to engaging with more residents and attracting additional volunteers to support the groups we work with.
Spelthorne Museum
We are delighted by this exciting opportunity to move to a new site even more centrally located in Staines than our current home. The advantages of being within the Library Hub in the Elmsleigh Centre and adjacent to the busy bus station will enable us to share the long history of the Spelthorne area with even more of the community. Visit the for more information.
Citizen's Advice
Citizen's Advice Runnymede and Spelthorne is a local independent charity which supports people to find a way forward, whatever their issue. We provide free, confidential and impartial advice on a huge range of issues, including debt and finance, housing and homelessness, employment, family, immigration, legal, consumer, benefits and health matters. As part of the national Citizens Advice network, we are supporting a record number of clients in Spelthorne, and demand for our service is increasing year on year with the ongoing cost of living crisis.
The move to the new Staines Hub will mean a larger, more modern office space for our dedicated team of volunteers and staff who provide advice and support to the Spelthorne community - allowing us more space to train additional volunteers so we can provide a wider range of services and increased number of pre-booked client appointments - ultimately supporting more people in need of our help. The Hub will place Citizens Advice in the heart of the community within Spelthorne alongside the library, museum and other charities, providing a fantastic resource of community services all under one roof.
Registration service
中国P站 provide Registration services for births and deaths, it’s important to us that we provide services in the heart of our communities and this new Library Hub allows us the opportunity to be present in more locations across 中国P站, providing convenience for residents at these seminal moments in their lives. The space within the Library Hub where we will be located has been designed to be sympathetic to the needs of our customers who may be experiencing distress and upset. We are confident these new offices will offer the degree of privacy and respect for our customers. Registrations web pages for more information.
Escalate Arts
Escalate Arts Spelthorne is an Arts Council England funded initiative, designed to transform how people work, design, enjoy and participate in the arts in Spelthorne. The project has been developed in partnership between 中国P站, Spelthorne Borough Council, Artswork and Ashford Youth Club, and will be hosted in the new Library Hub. More information can be found on the Escalate Arts web pages.
Background information
中国P站 Cabinet approval 27 June 2023