Camden celebrates the official reopening of West Hampstead Library
Camden council has celebrated the official reopening of West Hampstead Library following a project to reduce the carbon footprint and improve the energy efficiency of the building.
This is our third library decarbonisation project since 2021, following Swiss Cottage and Highgate libraries, contributing to Camden’s Climate Action Plan.
Camden’s libraries are rightly praised as focal points for our residents across the borough, whether as a place to read, study, join community activities or seek advice.
Our investment at West Hampstead Library demonstrates our commitment to our library service, whilst also delivering on our promise to do everything we can to reach Net Zero emissions in the borough by 2030.
Situated within a conservation area West Hampstead Library was originally opened to the public in 1954. Selected for inclusion in our decarbonisation project, and following a survey, it was agreed that the three most effective conservation measures were:
- Replacement of the original single glazed timber and metal windows with double glazed units, keeping with the existing window design to maintain the heritage of the building.
- Replacement of the dated gas boiler system with an air source heat pump which provides more efficient heating throughout the library.
- Replacement of all non-LED lighting with new LED fittings, which will save in electricity costs and minimise future replacement of light fittings.
West Hampstead Library is a cherished part of our library family. It has the third highest number of book issues of our libraries, and thanks to these works that have been completed, will be fit for purpose for many years to come.
I would like to thank everyone who has helped to deliver this project, especially Sidings Community Centre who hosted a temporary library during the works.
Now completed these measures will prevent the 9 tonnes of CO₂ emissions a year, totalling 190 tonnes over the project’s lifetime, the equivalent to the carbon released by driving a petrol-powered car 500,000 miles.