Imagine stepping into a place where stories bloom. This is Manor House Library. It is more than just a repository of books. It’s a community hub brimming with history and activity.
Manor House Library stands proudly on Old Road in Lee. This is in the South-East London Borough of Lewisham. It welcomes around a quarter of a million visitors annually. The Manor House Library operates as a community-run library. V22 Communities manage it. This registered charity also oversees Forest Hill Library and Sydenham Library.
Now picture this: Manor House itself. It’s a Grade 2 listed building that is around 250 years old. It was once the private residence of the Baring family. Today, it houses not only the library but also community rooms. It even hosts a daycare center and a midwife hub.
Consider the library’s role during the pandemic. Manor House remained open. It provided crucial midwife services to Lewisham and Greenwich residents. They even raised funds and food for needy families during Christmas. When the Ukraine appeal began, they raised even more.
Manor House Library offers a wide range of resources. You can find fiction, non-fiction, health information, and biographies. Free PCs and WiFi are available. Study spaces are also provided. But there is more to it than books.
Think about attending a theatre performance or a music event here. Manor House hosts a variety of workshops and film screenings. The library has experienced staff. Lewisham employs Senior Library Assistants to specifically look after Manor House Library. A team of Community Engagement Librarians also dedicate their time here.
Manor House Library has rooms available for hire. These air-conditioned spaces accommodate functions, classes, workshops, meetings, and parties. Yoga and Pilates classes take place here. Mental health support groups meet within these walls. Even weddings are celebrated here.
Running a building like Manor House requires significant resources. Financial contributions are always welcome to keep it going. V22 also operates studio spaces in the libraries. Artists and creative individuals can find studios in various sizes here.
Before you leave Manor House Library, consider how you might contribute. Volunteers are essential to keeping this community hub thriving. You could assist in running the library. You can provide additional services. No prior experience is needed. Training is provided.
Manor House Library embodies the spirit of community. It is a place where history and culture meet. It’s a place for learning. It’s a place for creating. It’s a place for connecting. Remember the vital role this place plays. It is more than just a library. It is the heart of Lee.