Hendon Library

Step into the grand halls of Hendon Library, a place where stories come to life. It’s a place that has seen it all, from the bustling days of the 1920s to the quiet moments of reflection today. This magnificent building, with its Neo-Georgian architecture, stands proud on The Burroughs. It’s one of the most iconic landmarks in the area. This library has a secret, a hidden truth that few know. Remember that children’s section that every library has today? It was Eileen Colwell, a woman who dedicated her life to fostering a love for reading, who created the very first children’s section at Hendon Library in 1929.
Imagine her arriving at the library every day for forty years, inspiring generations of children with magical stories, creating a haven for their young imaginations. She didn’t just read to them, she let them help run the library, making them feel a sense of belonging and responsibility. She was such a force of inspiration that she even got to narrate 10 stories for the beloved BBC show ‘Jackanory’.
Hendon Library was once the most used library in the UK. People loved it. They used it to learn, to study, to escape into different worlds through reading, to discover the magic of books. There was even a music department where you could lose yourself in melodies. But times changed. Hendon Library faced challenges. The council wanted to close it down and lease the building to Middlesex University. It was a difficult time for everyone who loved and cherished this special place.
But hope triumphed. The community, remembering all the joy and learning that the library brought them, refused to let it go. They fought to save Hendon Library and, thanks to those brave souls, it was saved. Plans are underway to revitalize this beloved library so that it can continue to be a haven for generations to come. It’s more than just a building, it’s a symbol of the power of community, the love for learning, and the endless possibilities that stories hold. While you are here, breathe in the history, imagine Eileen Colwell sharing a story, and listen to the echoes of all the readers who called this library home. It’s a place that thrives because it was loved and saved, ready to continue its legacy.