Belsize Library marks 90 years with Victoria Coren Mitchell
The Grade II listed building in Finchley will host a launch evening on October 15 to begin anniversary celebrations.
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Belsize Library, located on Antrim Road in Finchley, will mark its 90th anniversary this month. The Grade II listed building, which first opened its doors on March 18, 1937, is celebrating nine decades of service to the community. A launch evening is scheduled for Thursday, October 15, featuring live music, refreshments, and speakers including Victoria Coren Mitchell, Tulip Siddiq MP, Rashid Iqbal of The Winch, and Anthony Isaacs of Friends of the Library.
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The library has evolved from its origins as a public library into a community-run hub. The Winchester Project, a local youth and family charity, now manages the building as a community space. This follows years of facing threats of closure and budget cuts, which led to the formation of the Friends of Belsize Library in 1988. Camden Council, which ran the library until 2012, remains the owner of the building.
The building itself was designed by architects H A Gold and R de W Aldridge, replacing a Victorian library. It is noted for its inter-war branch library design, with English Heritage listing it in 2016 as an 'exemplar' of its type. The library retains many of its original features, including shelving, seating, and its open-plan layout, constructed from red English brick and handmade Italian clay tiles.
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The Winchester Project is organising a series of events to commemorate the library's nine decades. These will include an exhibition detailing the library’s history, architecture, and community role, alongside guest talks and activities for families and children. These extended celebrations are planned to run from October 2026 through to March 2027. A short documentary has also been produced, highlighting the library's continued service with support from residents, volunteers, and local charities.
In recognition of its importance, Belsize Library received the Community Heritage Award at the UK Locality Awards in 2025. The library is currently seeking support through donations, with a call for 'library champions' to sign up for monthly contributions of £25 to help sustain its work in hosting community groups and providing a welcoming space.
Questions this report answers
+When did Belsize Library officially open?
Belsize Library was officially opened on March 18, 1937, by the Mayor of Hampstead. This date marks the beginning of its 90 years of service to the community in Finchley.
+Who is helping to launch the 90th anniversary celebrations?
Victoria Coren Mitchell, a long-term supporter of the library, will help launch the 90th anniversary celebrations. The launch event on October 15 will also feature other speakers including Tulip Siddiq MP and representatives from The Winch and Friends of the Library.
+Who manages Belsize Library now?
Belsize Library is now managed by The Winchester Project, a local youth and family charity, as a community space. Camden Council, which previously ran the building until 2012, remains its owner.
+What other events are planned for the anniversary?
Beyond the launch event on October 15, The Winch is organising further celebrations from October 2026 to March 2027. These will include an exhibition on the library's history and architecture, guest talks, and family activities.
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