Can you imagine a time when libraries were a rarity, a privilege for the few? We stand before the Forest Hill Library, a testament to a time when access to knowledge became a cause worth fighting for. Forest Hill Library opened its doors in 1901. This beautiful building, with its Arts and Crafts design, was a gift from the Carnegie Library movement. This movement, spearheaded by philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, believed in the power of knowledge to uplift communities.
Forest Hill Library was one of over 600 Carnegie libraries built across the UK. The library served its community under the watchful eye of the local authority for over a century. However, by 2016, funding pressures placed the Forest Hill Library on a list of institutions facing potential closure. It seemed like the end of an era. But the community refused to let their beloved library fade into memory. A passionate group, led by V22, the Forest Hill Society, and the Forest Hill Traders’ Association, came together. They put together a community partnership bid that won the support of the Mayor & Cabinet.
This victory allowed them to manage the building and run the library in collaboration with Lewisham Libraries. Their dedication went beyond paperwork and meetings. They launched an online crowdfunder, initially aiming to raise £6,000. Astonishingly, they surpassed their target in just eight weeks, raising over £10,000. This community spirit turned Forest Hill Library into one of the most successful community-run libraries in the country. They offer a unique, sustainable model that kept the library’s original footprint and maintained its seven-day opening schedule throughout the year. Today, Forest Hill Library stands as a symbol of resilience, community spirit, and the enduring power of books.