Libraries staff conference
On 3 October 2024 all libraries will close while staff attend their staff conference. The conference will give teams the opportunity to train and develop.
Digital services are still available so you'll be able to renew your items online and access digital resources. We apologise for any inconvenience. Libraries will reopen on Friday 4 October
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.
Essential maintenance on the Library Management System
Due to recent maintenance work which is ongoing you will not be able to reserve books from library authorities that are part of the SELMS consortium until further notice. However, you can still reserve books from any of the Camden Libraries. We apologise for any inconvenience caused and we will update as soon as possible.
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. We currently have a Library Pop Up Bus parked in Chester Road near the library on two days a week: Tuesday and Wednesday, 12.30-4.30pm. The services that are available are
- Returning items ( books)
- Making book reservations
- A signposting and information offer
- Find out how to access the online e-books
- Click and collect ( small collection of books for people to borrow )
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.
Explore your reading choices at Camden Libraries
Thanks to funding from the British Library’s 'LibraryOn' programme all Camden Libraries now have an accessible computer for visually impaired to come into the library and access. The project is being delivered in partnership with RNIB who have gifted 200 Envoy Connects to enable visually impaired Camden residents so they can visit one of the Camden Libraries and download e audio books from Camden Libraries’ digital library and the RNIB’s digital library. The library team are able to support residents if they come in with their Envoy Connect to download books.
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.