About Us

Background on the Library

Keats Community Library ("KCL") is a  volunteer-run registered charity at 10 Keats Grove, London NW3. KCL has been operated by the community from 17th April 2012 taking over the beautiful building previously known as the Heath Library which was run by Camden Council. The Building is now on the list of Buildings of Special Architectural of Historic Interest as Grade II.

We depend entirely on our community for volunteers and funding. We  welcome volunteers to join the terrific team in the library - just ask in the library or email us.

If you want to help in any way, or have ideas to improve our services,  please see our "Join Us" section.

Visiting the library is free and open to everyone.   To borrow books, DVDs and talking/audio books, you need to register as we are not part of Camden's Library network.

• Over 20,000 items to borrow - adult & childen's books + large print + talking books. We add new books weekly. We pride ourselves in adding the latest popular books, often when published.
• Public PCs  + Printing and copying  in Black & White and Colour (A3/A4)  - charges may apply
• FREE WiFi  across the library  +  quiet study tables open to all
  
• Large DVD Library :  FREE  use   for  7 days.
  
• An active  events programme based on Literacy and the Arts generally. Advance details are mailed to card holders and are also shown on this website
• Educational sessions for children on Art, Creative Writing, chess as well as Rythme Time and Story time readings. 
• Opportunities for social service qualifications such as Duke of Edinburgh candidates.
  

Our events are often sold out in advance. To hear about them early, please join our free newsletter; just send us an email with your details.

Data Protection Note:  By applying to join the KCL Newsletter list, you agree that we may mail you about forthcoming events, supporting the library and other issues we consider might be relevant or interesting to a supporter of the library.  You can cancel at any time and your details are not shared with anyone.

Library card holders join the the KCL Newsletter list as set out in the library card application form, unless they decide to opt out.

KCL is an independent charity supported by the local Community with funding and over 50 volunteers.

The Charity is overseen by an upaid Board of Directors acting as Trustees. The current Trustees are:  Steven Bobasch (Chair), Simon Brumfit ( Apprectice/Intern), Andi Dollia (Treasurer), Jana Harrison (Children's Library) ,  Victoria Joel (Events and Main Library Stock),  Jonathan Nakouzi ( IT) . Nigel Steward (Secretary) and Kate Burge ( Volunteers) . The President is Lee Montague, who is a key figure not only in founding KCL but also supporting the Heath Library Friends charity, effectively KCL's predessor.

Each Board member is given a portfolio of responsibility as shown above.  We would welcome applications from anyone who considers they can contribute as a Board Member - with new skills (fundraising for example) - or to add to those we have.

The Charity's objectives are to keep the library open, to provide a service which reflects what the local Community wants, to promote literacy generally and to be a welcoming place in the Community.

KCL is entirely dependant on the local Community  in terms of volunteers to run the day to day and associated projects, such as events, as well for financing. If the Community wants to keep its library open, then It is up to the Community to support  it.

KCL has to pay market rates for:

• Using the building with Licence fees to The City of London Corporation (Keats House) for its occupancy of the building,
  
• Paid apprentices.
  
• Buying and maintaining the stock of 20,000 books and DVDS
  
• Technology to keep running the public computers and WiFif  ,the printer and copiers and the Heritage Library system
  
• Room hire for all events outside Library times to the City of London
  

Keats Community Library was formed on 21st December 2011 as a company limited by guarantee (07889559) and is a UK registered charity (1146702).

FINANCIAL INFORMATION on Keats Community Library  - click on the item to view

2022 Annual Report and Accounts

The history of the Library building

Heath Library started at the turn of the century as a Book Exchange in a shop at 21 South End Green, opposite Hampstead Heath Station, where the overground now runs. Borrowers had to hand in a signed list of titles, and a few hours later a book or books, obtained from the Arkwright Road Library (itself long closed) , would be waiting for them.

In 1907 a library opened in the former school building in Worsley Road (now part of Pilgrim’s Lane).

Keats House was purchased in 1921 and placed in the care of Hampstead Borough in 1924.

In 1931 the present library, designed to blend with the style and scale of the house, was purpose built in its grounds to serve also as a museum for the Keats Memorial Library, a collection formed by Sir Charles Duke and given to the Borough in 1911. Camden Council was the Successor to Hampstead Borough Council and they managed the site.

The building then passed to the management of The City of London when they acquired Keats House, and Camden took a Lease on the building to continue to operate Heath Library. Camden Council surrendered their lease on 16th April 2012 having closed the Heath Library on the 31st March 2012 as part of their budget savings programme. 

In March 2016, the  Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport has decided to add Keats Community Library to the List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest. The building is now listed at Grade II.