The library shuts on Monday February 21

Hackney Archives will soon close down - in preparation for its relocation to a brand new flagship library in Dalston, currently under construction.

Staff at the archives in De Beauvoir Road will start packing away the collections on Monday February 21, ready for the move to Dalston Lane.

The present building was refurbished in March 2008.

Staff have a massive job on their hands, as the photos, maps, newspapers and the borough’s official admin records dating back to 1700, all occupy around two kilometres of shelving.

Preparations are expected to take some time, as many of the documents – some of which date back to the 14th century - need to be treated with care.

There will be just a limited enquiry service until the new library opens later on in the year.

Anyone who needs access to the archives should call 020 7241 2886 or email archives@hackney.gov.uk for more information.