Muswell Hill Library

Did the majestic coat of arms above the Muswell Hill Library entrance ever catch your eye? It whispers tales of a time when this building was brand new, a beacon of knowledge in a rapidly changing suburb. Muswell Hill Library stands as a testament to the vision of its creators and the unwavering support of its community. The library officially opened its doors on October 15, 1931. The opening ceremony, a grand affair held at Tetherdown Hall, was presided over by the Mayor of Hornsey, Councillor C. H. Summerby. He received a special gift: a bound volume of “The Science of Life,” adorned with the Borough of Hornsey’s coat of arms, the same one that still graces the library’s entrance today. But the journey to this grand opening was a long and winding one. The need for a library in Muswell Hill arose from the burgeoning literacy of the 19th century. Commercial lending libraries, like the one founded by Charles Edward Mudie, a former resident of the very estate where the library now stands, filled the initial gap. Yet, the dream was always a free public library, a true symbol of Victorian social reform. The first attempt to establish a library in Muswell Hill, on a site in Dukes Avenue donated in 1899 by the local builder and developer James Edmondson, faltered due to lack of funds. The land reverted back to Edmondson in 1910, and houses now occupy the spot. The Muswell Hill community had to wait until 1930, when the borough council finally chose a site in Queens Avenue. Interestingly, this site already housed the Muswell Hill Fire Station, built in 1899. The old fire station, deemed too small, was extended with the purchase of two neighboring properties. The Borough Engineer and Surveyor, W. H. Adams, cleverly designed a two-story building to fit the unusually shaped plot. Initial costs were estimated at £9,800 for the building, with an additional £3,000 for the first collection of books. Muswell Hill Library finally had a home. Just a few years after opening, in 1938, the children’s library received a unique addition: a mural depicting the history of Muswell Hill. Created by students from the Hornsey School of Art, it captures the area’s connection to the “Mossy Well,” the very spring that gave Muswell Hill its name. This well, believed to have curative powers, attracted pilgrims for centuries. This mural stands as a vibrant reminder of the area’s rich past, nestled within a building that continues to serve as a vital resource for the community. Muswell Hill Library has seen its share of challenges over the years, even facing threats of closure. Yet, it has always persevered. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of local campaigns and organizations like the Friends of Muswell Hill Library, this beloved institution continues to thrive. It is a symbol of community resilience and a testament to the enduring power of libraries.