Update on Holborn Library
The Library Service is planning a refurbishment of Holborn Library. To complete parts of the refurbishment we will need to temporarily close Holborn Library.
The proposed dates are from 3 February 2025 for 8 weeks until Saturday 29 March. The library will reopen in time for the Easter school holidays.
The refurbishment will see improvements to the adult and children’s library spaces and the Local Studies and Archive Centre. We apologise for any inconvenience during this time. The digital library offer will be available and the closest library is Pancras Square Library. We will keep this page updated should any of these details change.
Training and Development
To support the training and development of the library team, the libraries will be closed for half days across two dates in January. 23 January and 30 January. The training programme will see the team benefitting from training at the British Library.
The libraries that are closed on each date will reopen at 2pm.
On 23 January 2025 - Pancras Square; Swiss Cottage; Highgate; and Queens Crescent will be closed until 2pm (all other libraries open as usual)
On 30 January 2025 – Kilburn; Holborn; Kentish Town; Camden Town; Sidings (West Hampstead pop-up) will be closed until 2pm (all other libraries open as usual)
Similar training is planned for 15 May and 22 May 2025, more details will follow about these dates.
We apologise for any inconvenience.
Fines on overdue books
From Friday 15 November, we will no longer charge you late return fees and all existing fines will be removed.
We know that it continues to be a tough time for many people, and so we’re taking this action so that people who cannot afford the fees, or may find it difficult to return their items on time, are not put off from using our library services and reading books.
If you haven’t visited your local library in a while, we welcome you back to enjoy all the books resources, and activities on offer.
Remember to return books and other items on time so that other residents can enjoy them.
Temporary closure of Swiss Cottage children’s library
We have been talking with residents about the redesign of the Children’s Library at Swiss Cottage Library to help us celebrate the sixtieth year of the library. We are now almost ready to start this exciting work.
The Children’s Library will close from 4 November until February 2025 so this project can take place.
We will continue to have a children’s offer at the library during this period:
- We will have a selection of children’s stock near the main library enquiry desk in the blue area on the first floor
- Rhyme times for under 5s will continue on Tuesdays and Fridays at 10.30am and will take place on the first floor in the Fiction 1 area on the red carpet
- LEGO sessions and all other children’s activities will continue in the glass room in the entrance area.
Thank you for your patience during this period.
West Hampstead Library temporary closure and relocation
West Hampstead Library will be temporarily closed from Monday 18 November 2024 until March 2025 as it undergoes decarbonisation 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.
Opening hours at Sidings Community Centre will be:
- Tuesdays: 11am to 6pm
- Thursdays: 11am to 6pm
- Fridays: 11am to 5pm
Services will include:
- book returns and reservations
- access to e-books
- click and collect book service
- regular activities
Don’t forget that the digital library remains available, providing access to a wide range of e-books, audiobooks, and more. Visit Digital Library.
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.