Best Start Family Hub - City of London Network sites - Where to find us

Local places for families to access activities, information and support

Share page with

The Best Start Family Hub – City of London Network brings together services for children, young people and families, making it easier to find information, advice and support when you need it.

You can access Family Hub services in person across the City at our Network sites. Together, these locations provide a network of accessible services and activities for families. You can find information about each Network site on this page.

Services vary by location. See our latest termly timetable (September to December) for details of services available for parents, carers and children aged 0-5 years and 5+ at each site. In the Downloads section at the bottom of this page or:

Download 0-5 timetable here: City of London Timetable 0-5 Years Sept-Dec 2026
Download 5+ timetable here: City of London Timetable 5+ Years Sept-Dec 2026

Local places for families to access activities, information and support:
Artizan Street Library and Community Centre, 1 Artizan Street, London, E1 7AF

Artizan Street Library map — Artizan Street Library - data is available under the Open Database License: https://www.openstreetmap.org/copyright.

Opening hours:
• Monday, 8am to 7pm
• Tuesday to Friday, 8am to 5.30pm

Find out more on the Artizan Street Library and Community Centre webpage.

Barbican Library, Barbican Centre, London, EC2Y 8DS

Barbican Library Map — Barbican Library - data is available under the Open Database License: https://www.openstreetmap.org/copyright.

Opening hours:
• Monday, 9.30am to 5.30pm
• Tuesday, 9.30am to 7.30pm
• Wednesday, 9.30am to 5.30pm
• Thursday, 9.30am to 7.30pm
• Friday, 9.30am to 5.30pm
• Saturday, 9.30am to 4pm

Find out more on the Barbican Library webpage.

Shoe Lane Library, 1 Hill House, Little New Street, EC4A 3JR

Shoe Lane Library Map — Shoe Lane Library - data is available under the Open Database License: https://www.openstreetmap.org/copyright.

Opening hours:
• Monday, 9.30am to 5.30pm
• Tuesday, 9.30am to 6.30pm
• Wednesday to Friday, 9.30am to 5.30pm

Find out more on the Shoe Lane Library webpage.

Smithfield House Nursery, 14 West Smithfield, EC1A 9HY

Smithfield House Nursery Map — Smithfield House Nursery - data is available under the Open Database License: https://www.openstreetmap.org/copyright.

Smithfield House Nursery is part of the Best Start Family Hub – City of London Network and provides services and activities for families with young children.
Opening hours:
• Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm

Find out more on the Smithfield House Nursery website

Not sure where to start?
You do not need to know which service or location is right for you before getting in touch. Best Start Family Hub staff can help you find the information, service or support that best meets your family's needs.

You can register your family here and a member of our team will contact you to help identify the most suitable location and provide any additional information you may need.