Much-cherished Highgate Library has reopened following £1.88m investment
Camden’s much loved Highgate library has now reopened following an innovative project to radically reduce the carbon emissions from the Edwardian building, while also ensuring the venue is more comfortable for library users, visitors, volunteers and staff.
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 information.
Our investment at Highgate Library has once again demonstrated our commitment to our library service, whilst also delivering on our climate ambition.
The library reopened on Tuesday 19 November and we will be sharing more details about some exciting opening celebrations in the near future.
The library required extensive works with many of its services and infrastructure in need of replacement, which as well as making visiting less enjoyable, also led to high levels of heat loss from the building.
We have committed to do all that we can to help radically decarbonise Camden by 2030.
To reach this ambition, we want to cut carbon emissions from our own buildings and operations. This collaboration with the Friends of Highgate Library, at the historic Grade II listed building shows how heritage and energy conservation can go hand in hand.
The works at the library included:
- The replacement of gas boilers with air source heat pumps.
- The replacement of the library roofs which were then insulated along with the walls.
- Fitting solar photovoltaics panels to on the library roof.
- Installing internal LED Lighting.
- Installing secondary and double-glazing sensitive to the buildings historic character.
- Improved ventilation.
- Installing entry lobbies to reduce drafts.
- Extensive repairs to the lathe and plaster ceilings while retaining the heritage features.
Councillor Harrison continued:
“Our holistic approach to this project has been balanced with need to protect and preserve the grade II listed status of the library.
“By undertaking this work and removing the existing gas boilers, along with introducing renewable energy sources we believe that the building can achieve net-zero emissions, with the rooftop solar panels producing as much energy over the year as is needed. This is particularly impressive as the library is a 118-year-old building. This is the second such project for the council, following retrofit works at the Grade II listed Swiss Cottage library.
“The project is also predicted to make significant savings to the library’s running costs of more than £17,000 a year whilst also delivering annual carbon savings of 33 tonnes of CO2e.”
The Friends of Highgate Library (FOHL) said:
“We are absolutely delighted that Camden, unlike many local authorities, has chosen not to cut its library services but has instead adopted a policy of investment in this valuable resource.
“At Highgate Library it has refurbished and decarbonised the building and is expanding the services it offers.
“FOHL, who have been jointly staffing and managing Highgate Library since 2015, have been involved in the refurbishment by providing an input into the design and arrangement of the facilities as well as packing and re-shelving the books. We have also contributed to the financing of the project by, for example, paying for the restoration of the front railings.”
FOHL will be hosting the Formal Celebratory Opening of the library in December.
West Hampstead Library will be temporarily closed from Monday 18 November 2024 until March 2025 as it also 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. For more information visit: Library news - Camden Council
'Warm welcome’ spaces are available across Camden. You'll find them in libraries, children's centres and other community buildings across the borough. Each 'warm welcome' space offers something a little different. But wherever you visit, you'll find a warm, friendly and safe place to work and relax. You can also join free or low-cost activities and get help or support with the cost of living. Everyone is welcome.