Kilburn Library burst back to life on Friday 28 February as nearly 2,000 residents poured through its doors to celebrate its grand reopening, following a £1 million transformation. The landmark event marked the return of the much-loved library as a vibrant, modern community hub in Salusbury Road.
The day was packed with colour, creativity and connection, with families, young people and community groups filling the newly refurbished spaces.
Kilburn Library is the latest Brent library to undergo a major refurbishment, continuing the council’s significant programme of investment in modern, welcoming and accessible library spaces. The improvements follow recent upgrades at Harlesden and Wembley libraries, further strengthening Brent’s commitment to providing high-quality community facilities across the borough.
The celebrations were joined by a host of VIP guests, including Cllr Promise Knight, Cabinet Member for Customer Experience, Resident Support and Culture; the Mayor of Brent, Cllr Ryan Hack; Cllr Muhammed Butt, Leader of Brent Council; Georgia Gould MP for Queen’s Park and Maida Vale, London Assembly Member, Krupesh Hirani; and Cllr Fleur Donnelly-Jackson, Cabinet Member for Housing.
Brent Council’s transformation of the library was supported by £231,500 in funding from Arts Council England, helping to reimagine the historic 130-year-old building as a modern, inclusive and welcoming space for the whole community. The project carefully blends contemporary design with the character of the library’s Victorian architecture, creating a bright, open and flexible environment.
The refurbished library now features a spacious layout, improved accessibility, additional study areas and a dedicated digital zone, alongside a vibrant children’s space with interactive sensory elements. Visitors can also enjoy a fully refurbished community space, Studio 42, equipped with a screen and Wi-Fi, designed to host workshops, performances, exhibitions and community programmes. An expanded and refreshed book collection completes the transformation, offering something for readers of all ages.
