Friern Barnet Community Library

About

Friern Barnet Community Library was closed in April 2012 due to the cuts but re-opened in September 2012 by activists and the community, with an official re-opening on February 5 2013. For more information please read full description.

Story

Friern Barnet Library, situated on Friern Barnet Road, was opened on 1934 by the Carnegie Trust. Ever since 1934 Friern Barnet residents have been using the library; for a sense of community, for books, for CDs, DVDs, to use the computers and more. Friern Barnet Library today is the only communal building in Friern Barnet. Giving only 24 hours notice, Barnet Council closed Friern Barnet Library on April 5, as part of the outsource of over 70% of public services in the borough, despite strong protest by local residents.
In September the local community and activists from the occupy movement reopened Friern Barnet Library. The occupation of the library was a direct action, highlighting the massive community support for Friern Barnet Library.

On Tuesday 5th February, at midday, exactly five months since the occupation began, the community took possession of the Friern Barnet Library, changing the name to Friern Barnet Communtity Library. The local community , represented by the trustees of the library, are on the verge of agreeing a two-year lease with Barnet Council (LBB) to run the library with some funding.

Your library is not just a place to borrow books – we have more than 8,000 now! – it is a community space that offers free and low cost activities to all. We are open from Monday to Saturday, 11am to 7pm. All children’s activities are run and supported by local volunteers who are CRB checked.

How to get involved:
-Come and meet us – we have organising meetings, all welcome, every Monday at 7pm (advised to contact before hand, incase of changes)
-Make yourself heard – phone, email, text, and tweet about how important public services are to you
-Sign up to help in the library – the library can only stay open if we all get involved! You could volunteer for a short shift or contribute in any way you can.
-Donate – ask inside the library for details.

Opening hours are usually 11am - 7pm, on the condition that their are volunteers on site.

Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 07592231150
Address;
Friern Barnet Community Library
Friern Barnet Road,
London
N11 3DS