AUTHOR Sam Copeland this week (27) officially opened The Hub @ Greenford Library as Ealing’s newest community-managed library.
Previously run by the council and due to be closed, the library has been given a new lease of life by the community in partnership with the Young Ealing Foundation.
The aim is to create a community point that goes beyond traditional library services.
Mr Copeland, author of best-selling children's books, cut the ribbon with Ealing’s Deputy Lieutenant Richard Kornicki and the deputy Leader of Ealing Council, Louise Brett.
Children were treated to a reading by Mr Copeland, while dignitaries and community leaders enjoyed performances by the young adults who now regularly meet at The Hub’s youth club.
Sam Copeland said: “Libraries were hugely important to me as a child, and Ealing libraries were equally important to my children. We must do all we can to protect them.”
Elly Heaton, chief executive of the Young Ealing Foundation, said: “Before today, there were too many children in Greenford living in poverty and stuck at home in flats with nowhere to go.
“Greenford was a real cold spot for youth services. As a community we won’t accept that for our children and young people and we have worked hard over the last year to make our dream come true.”
The main library is now open to the whole community two days a week, with hours due to be extended. Opening times can be found at greenfordlibrary.org.uk
For the rest of the week, community groups and charities will be using the space for their activities, including carer coffee mornings, knit and natter, careers support, adult education and the children’s library with book readings, arts and crafts sessions and rhyme time.
The Hub @ Greenford Library is also actively welcoming volunteers who have time to spare.
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