Refurbished Holborn Library opens as a vibrant neighbourhood space
Last week, Camden Council celebrated the reopening of Holborn Library after an extensive refurbishment which has transformed it into a vibrant new neighbourhood space.
The refurbishment has brought back to life parts of the building that have been underutilised in recent years, creating a dynamic hub.
Holborn Library now houses multiple partners, including ShiftED, Wimbletech, Voluntary Action Camden, and a dedicated piano academy featuring instruments generously donated by the Lang Lang International Music Foundation. This collaborative approach is a pivotal step in offering a wider range of services and activities to the community, working together with the existing library provisions.
“Camden's libraries are vital neighbourhood spaces, offering places to read, study, engage, and find information. The refurbishment of Holborn Library highlights our commitment to community wellbeing and access to culture right here in the borough.
"We know that reading enriches lives, boosts mental and physical health, and builds empathy – and this revitalised space is designed to put those benefits within reach for every resident. By creating a welcoming and resource-rich environment, we are not only fostering a deeper love for reading but also strengthening our community.”
“The transformation of Holborn Library truly embodies our vision for the future of Camden’s libraries. We're actively creating sharing spaces where community ideas are nurtured and partners can collaborate, expanding services and activities.
“This collaborative approach delivers a healthy, sustainable, and creative neighbourhood space at the heart of Holborn. We're not just reopening a building; we're unlocking creativity, fostering learning for young people, and building stronger, more connected communities.”
The comprehensive upgrade spans five floors, featuring energy-efficient LED lighting, enhanced basement ventilation, fresh paint and improved flooring throughout. In a commitment to sustainability, most of the original shelving has been clad in a new finish, preserving the library's heritage while offering a refreshed look. Notably, the ground floor has been returned to its original architectural design, with shelving now arranged at right angles to meet the building's historic pillars, complementing the restoration of two pillars and a wall stripped back to reveal their original mosaic tiles.
A major highlight is the transformation of former storage areas into a state-of-the-art Clore Learning Space, funded by the Clore Duffield Foundation. This addition will host ShiftED's innovative maker space, which gives young people hands-on access to skills and experiences they may not get in school. The revitalised library also showcases new signage and graphics celebrating Camden's renowned wordsmiths and influencers, truly embedding the library within the local cultural landscape.
Other partnerships include art displays created by City Lit students, with City Lit also supporting the forthcoming 'Books Beyond Words' project for adults with learning disabilities. Additionally, piano academies have been established, offering free lessons through the support of the Lang Lang International Music Foundation and the KoKo Foundation.
The official reopening was marked by the new Mayor, Councillor Eddie Hanson, cutting the ribbon. Attendees heard directly from some of the new partners now operating within the library, who shared insights into their contributions to making Holborn a vibrant neighbourhood hub.
The event also featured a poignant moment with poems from the late Emmanuel Litvinoff, a renowned figure in Anglo-Jewish literature, shared by his widow and son. Emmanuel Litvinoff's legacy is further celebrated within the library itself, as he is one of the individuals selected for the large wall graphic at the back of the building.
Last month, West Hampstead Library reopened following a project to reduce the carbon footprint and improve the energy efficiency of the building. This is the third library decarbonisation project since 2021, following Swiss Cottage and Highgate libraries, contributing to Camden’s Climate Action Plan.
Camden’s libraries play a crucial role in supporting residents to engage with books and reading, fostering joy and transforming lives. They are key neighbourhood spaces where reading, learning, and information converge with cultural activities to enhance wellbeing and belonging. In the most recent participation survey published by the Department of Culture Media and Sport, Camden’s Libraries had the second highest percentage of engagement in England.
The Council is eager to hear from residents and actively seeking ideas to shape the future of local libraries that truly meet community needs. To get involved, talk to staff at any Camden library. For further information on events and activities at Camden libraries, visit the website.