Temporary closure of Swiss Cottage children’s library
We have been talking with residents about the redesign of the Children’s Library at Swiss Cottage Library to help us celebrate the sixtieth year of the library. We are now almost ready to start this exciting work.
The Children’s Library will close from 4 November until February 2025 so this project can take place.
We will continue to have a children’s offer at the library during this period:
- We will have a selection of children’s stock near the main library enquiry desk in the blue area on the first floor
- Rhyme times for under 5s will continue on Tuesdays and Fridays at 10.30am and will take place on the first floor in the Fiction 1 area on the red carpet
- LEGO sessions and all other children’s activities will continue in the glass room in the entrance area.
Thank you for your patience during this period.
West Hampstead Library temporary closure and relocation
West Hampstead Library will be temporarily closed from Monday 18 November 2024 until March 2025 as it undergoes decarbonisation works to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainability.
Library services will continue at Sidings Community Centre, 150 Brassey Road, NW6 2BA, from Tuesday 3 December 2024.
Opening hours at Sidings Community Centre will be:
- Tuesdays: 11am to 6pm
- Thursdays: 11am to 6pm
- Fridays: 11am to 5pm
Services will include:
- book returns and reservations
- access to e-books
- click and collect book service
- regular activities
Don’t forget that the digital library remains available, providing access to a wide range of e-books, audiobooks, and more. Visit Digital Library.
Upgrade to IT network
We are upgrading the IT network across Camden’s libraries. This will:
- replace older equipment
- provide faster more reliable access
- reduce carbon emissions
We will be carrying out the upgrade during opening hours. This means that there will be no Internet access at these libraries until 3pm:
- Queens Crescents Library, Wednesday 30 October
- Kilburn Library, Monday 4 November
- Kentish Town Library, Monday 11 November
Thank you for your patience and understanding at this time.
Accessible toilet for Kilburn Library and Swiss Cottage libraries
We are installing a Changing Places toilet at Kilburn and Swiss Cottage Libraries. These facilities provides sanitary accommodation for people with multiple and complex disabilities who have one or two assistants with them which will make the library a more inclusive space.
The installation at Kilburn Library will start on 28 August 2024 and take around 2 months to complete. This means the public toilets at Kilburn Library will be unavailable from 28 August until November 2024. We apologise for any inconvenience. If you need to locate a public toilet nearby, you can use the following maps:
At Swiss Cottage Library the installation work will start on Tuesday 3 September, with most of the work to be completed by 15 October and the Changing Places toilet should be ready to use after 29 October. The work at Swiss Cottage Library will not impact the use of public toilets.
New ReadOn app launched by London Libraries
'ReadOn', a new app developed by librarians from London Libraries that takes inspiration from the 'Couch to 5k' fitness plan to get people reading more is now available from the app store for android and Apple devices. The app will have quizzes and challenges to motivate you to read more. Please ask the library team if you have problems downloading the app. The app was funded by a British Library LibraryOn grant.
Find out more about the ReadOn app.
Highgate Library to benefit from decarbonisation project
Camden Council is investing £1.7m in the much-cherished Highgate Library on Chester Road.
On 22 December 2023 Highgate Library closed for the decarbonisation project and the plan is to reopen on Tuesday 19 November 2024 . Whilst the works have been happening we have had a Library Pop Up Bus parked in Chester Road near the library. The last day the bus will visit Highgate will be Thursday October 24th to give the library team and Friends of Highgate Library and the volunteers time to reshelve the books and set up the computer equipment.
Kentish Town Library is the closest library so please do explore what’s on offer there and if you are unable to visit Kentish Town Library please let us know and the Home Library Service can visit you with a selection of books.
Find out more about the decarbonisation project and benefits for residents.
If you're not already a Library member:
Find out how to join Camden Libraries
Please be aware that services may change again depending on further government announcements.
You can also get a wide selection of e-books, e-newspapers and other digital resources through our Digital Library.
We will be adding to these resources in the future. Check back here for more news.