Winter Mini Reading Challenge

Find out more about our Winter Mini Reading Challenge.

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, the library will close for the Christmas and New Year period and remain closed for the decarbonisation project. We are developing plans for an alternative provision in Highgate until the library reopens in Chester Road, with an exciting reopening celebration. 

Find out more about the decarbonisation project and benefits for residents.

Fantasy Exhibition

Visit our new Fantasy exhibition at Camden libraries. Explore the rich diversity of this genre with the British Library.

Opening on 27 October 2023 and starting its journey around the borough at Swiss Cottage Library. This free exhibition explores the rich diversity of the fantasy genre, from Arthurian legends to manga and live action role-playing games.

Inspired by Fantasy: Realms of Imagination at the British Library (27 October 2023 – 25 February 2024), supported by Wayland Games, the display explores how fantasy is flourishing today across a range of different media. Literature, TV, film, games and more. It also looks back at the origins of the genre.

What does fantasy mean to you? How do you take part in fantasy worlds? Come along to the library and see our fantasy exhibition. Adults and Children can also take part in our fantasy poetry and or drawing competition, a different theme each month!

Touring Fantasy exhibition at the following libraries:

Swiss Cottage Library: 27 October - 15 November 2023 including streaming live British Library events throughout October – February.   

Kilburn Library:  17 November - 7 December 2023

Pancras Square Library 9 December - 28 December 2023

Holborn Library: 30 December - 16 January 2024

Kentish Town Library: 18 January - 8 February 2024

Queens Crescent Library: 10 February - 25 February 2024

Poetry and drawing competition themes:

November 2023: Portals: Libraries as a portal to other worlds   

December 2023: Fairy and Folklore

January 2024: Heroes and Heroines

February 2024: Dragons and Quests

For more information on the above including the competition please visit our libraries page.

For your information:

Over 30 libraries across the UK are highlighting how local folklore and fairy tales have inspired fantasy writers, and the role of local libraries in introducing readers to the genre, as part of the Living Knowledge Network, a UK-wide partnership of national and public libraries. There will be a series of events showcasing the impact of fantasy in the UK, including:

  • At a special event Natalie Haynes and Susan Cooper will explore how their work has been inspired by mythology and ancient legends on 27 October, streamed live from the British Library
  • The worlds of science-fiction, fantasy and gothic horror collide in this special event with acclaimed writers Adrian Tchaikovsky, RJ Barker and Elizabeth Dearnley, in conversation on 9 November, streamed live from Leeds Central Library
  • An evening with the award-winning Neil Gaiman on why we need fantasy literature on 20 November, streamed live from the British Library
  • A full day exploration of Fantasy featuring notable speakers including, R.F. Kuang covering everything from fantastical maps to mythical models on 9 December, streamed live from the British Library
  • A UK-wide Fantasy quiz night, held at local Living Knowledge Network libraries

Liz White, Director of Library Partnerships at the British Library, said: ‘Fantasy is a much beloved genre that is globally popular and yet draws on local legends and mythology in creating mythical worlds for readers to escape into. The displays in libraries in the Living Knowledge Network will explore these local connections with fantasy writers and creators while inspiring readers with the genre’s imaginative possibilities across literature, films, TV and gaming.’

Fantasy: Realms of Imagination runs at the British Library from 27 October 2023 – 25 February 2024. The exhibition was made possible with support from Wayland Games and The Unwin Charitable Trust, with thanks to The American Trust for the British Library and The B.H. Breslauer Fund of the American Trust for the British Library.

The Living Knowledge Network streams free events, exhibitions and workshops from libraries across the UK through.

Free Mobile data SIM cards at Queen Crescent and Camden Town Library

If you are over 18 and on a low income, we can help you get online with free mobile data SIM cards. 

National Databank are providing free data SIM cards to people who are experiencing data exclusion. People can receive a package of free data for up to 12 months with free calls and texts.  

To get your card, come in to Queens Crescent or Camden Town Library and speak to a member of library staff.

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.