Priyanka Sharma - Kilburn Library London Borough of Camden

Libraries:
Neighbourhod Spaces

To find out more or share your thoughts, please reach us at:
libraries@camden.gov.uk

November 25th 2023. Visitors walk into Kilburn Library, heading straight for the basement where a model of Kilburn Hig Road sits in the centre of the room.

Kilburn Museum Lab has asked past and present residents, to bring in objects they’d like to see in a museum of the area, before questioning how this museum can take shape through the stories shared that afternoon.

As Kilburn Museum Lab challenges our definitions of what a museum can be, a floor above we ask ourselves: what can a library be when truly shaped by its community? Kilburn Library is wellused. A weekly programme of activities connects us with regular visitors of all ages, Tuesday and Thursday mornings being especially lively with Rhymetimes led by Carol, our Children’s Librarian. “Singing engages the kids,” says Carol, “you’re demonstrating speech, awareness, how words connect to actions”. In her time delivering these sessions, the impact on adults has proven just as valuable. “It’s a community in itself. You could be with mums, dads, carers who are nothing like you, the only thing you have in common is being there.

It’s an exchange between you all. Even if you don’t sing, you watch how other people interact with their kids and ask questions, talk with other families, real human beings. That’s it: overcoming loneliness, isolation. It builds confidence for everyone.” Our users seem to agree. Clare, host of our weekly Writing Group, says “togetherness” is the first word she thinks of when she hears “library”. “It’s a good atmosphere.

It lends itself to people being creative and feeling relaxed. Other environments can feel daunting but a lot of people I know tend to love libraries and automatically identify them as a safe space. They’re approachable.” Elma, who recently moved to Kilburn and joined the library this year, nods: “You just need them. The company.”

Olivia, another writer, mentions third places – spaces that exist outside of home and work, and help us feel connected. “When I was a kid, my local library was a sanctuary,” she shares, “I love seeing them be an imaginative place for young people. As an adult I just like having somewhere I can hang out and vibe without that pressure of…you know, you don’t want to be kicked out of somewhere after 20 minutes because you can’t buy another drink. They’re still my sanctuary.” Inspired by Clare, we ask what comes to mind when the group hears “library”:
“Education.”
“Computers.”
“Creativity.”
“Learning.”
Olivia simply says, “I love libraries”. We’re relieved, if a little worried anyone we quote this to will think we’re offering bribes.

Kilburn Museum Lab connected with the library over a shared understanding of the complexity in representing and serving diverse experiences. There is no singular Kilburn resident. The museum captures these assorted narratives, compiling stories and artefacts to best reflect the area’s vibrant history. Similarly, there is no one definitive library user. However wide-ranging, the hopes, needs and expectations for libraries don’t need to conflict with one another, though coordinating an offer that centres the community is not without its challenges. Visitors use us for reading, quiet study, digital support, events, opportunities for conversation, to sing and to sit in silence, to be alone and to be less lonely. Often, people require all these things at once. For us, the reward is in the delivery, and the support we’ve been able to lean on that makes it possible.


In March 2024, Camden Council was awarded Arts Council England’s Libraries Improvement Fund, a grant enabling library services to upgrade buildings and in-house technology. Gabi Abadi, Principal Regeneration Officer in Camden’s Area Regeneration Team, who co-wrote the successful bid, explains the fund, “presents a significant opportunity to revitalise underused spaces in Kilburn, such as the library's vacant basement, to expand and enrich its offerings, delivering public value and generating income. Increasing floorspace by 50% isn't just about meeting current community needs; it's about sustainably futureproofing the library for many years to come.” Positive developments are on the horizon for the building. We hope by addressing our physical limitations, the library will be better equipped to facilitate you through its doors. As steadfastly as we offer information and learning, we want to continue facilitating chances for community connection, a venture supported by the recent creation of an Active Citizens Group. This informal advisory board made up of representatives from local community organisations, including Kilburn Older Voice Exchange and South Hampstead and Kilburn Community Partnership, provides counsel to the library on community engagement, sharing experiences, resources, and ideas.

The Kilburn neighbourhood exists beyond consultations and questionnaires, however, just as the library is a living, breathing space, made by those who step inside every day. We’ll keep listening to your wishes for our space, and hope you continue sharing them because the library really does belong to you. What would you like to see inside; what events would you be interested in attending, and what activities might you like to deliver? And if you’ve never visited – if you don’t feel you can, or don’t know what’s on offer – what could we do differently to welcome you in?

Kilburn Museum Lab boldly focuses on community at the heart of cultural spaces. We’d like to know: how could Kilburn Library best serve its community?
Visit us. Let’s find out together.