This 15 October 2026 the volunteers known as The Friends of Belsize Library are launching an exhibition at Belsize Community Library because in March 2027 the library will be turning 90.
Everyone is invited to come along between 6.30pm – 8.15pm for live music, drinks and bites, and some special guest appearances, including the presenter and writer Victoria Coren Mitchell, Rashid Iqbal the former head of The Winch, Councillor Tom Simon, Tulip Siddiq MP and Anthony Issac, Chair of the Friends of Belsize Library.
Visitors will be able to watch a special film created by Ranee Barr (well-known for her book Belsize Remembered) and enjoy a static exhibition too. Both the film and exhibition will be available until March 2027.
Three times between 1988-2012, the Belsize Park Library faced closure. However, with the efforts of local residents and with The Winch managing the library for the last fourteen years, the library continues to flourish.
Belsize Library interior circa 1937-1939. Photo courtesy of RIBA Archive.
Upcoming Library Talks from November 2026
For many years, the Friends of Belsize Library have been organising interesting evening talks at Belsize Library. They happen on the third Thursday of every month and have always been popular – especially being inexpensive and because you don’t need to book ahead. Here is what’s planned:
19 November 2026
The English Public Library 1850-1930: The Development of a Building Type
By Susie Barson
An illustrated talk about the key points in the development of public library buildings and some examples of the best types of libraries worthy of preservation. Susie Barson is a senior architectural historian with Historic England. In 2016 she was involved with a national listing survey of public libraries, as a result of which Belsize Library was granted Grade II listed status.
10 December 2026
Domestic Servants and the Domestic Workers’ Union in Belsize
By Laura Schwartz
As a Professor of Modern British History, Laura Schwartz will share her knowledge of the everyday lives of Belsize’s domestic servants and the story of the militant Domestic Workers’ Union founded in 1910 at 211 Belsize Road. In this talk we’ll also hear how domestic servants helped early 20th century progressives and feminists to pursue their intellectual and political work.
21 January 2026
German Jewish refugees in 1930’s Belsize
By Charlie Knight
A talk about the refugee networks in and around Belsize in the 1930s and the connection of those communities to World War II. Charlie Knight is the 2025/6 Bithell Visiting Fellow at the Institute of Languages, Cultures and Societies School of Advanced Studies at London University.
18 February 2027
Remarkable Homes of NW3
By David Percy
Award-winning cinematographer, specialist historian, architectural photographer, director and graphic designer David Percy will present a talk about the rich social and architectural heritage of NW3. He will also share stories about famous architects and notable past residents.
18 March 2027
The Most Charming Library in the British Isles: Celebrating Belsize Library from 1897 to 2027
By Averil Nottage
Former chair of the Belsize Residents Association and local historian Averil Nottage will give a talk about the history and development of Belsize, including the period when there was more than one library. She will also talk about local writers, and the role of the Friends of Belsize Library and The Winch.
Photo of Antrim Road.
If you would like to know about the day-to-day life of Belsize Library, you’ll find the article Reading The Hood For Community Good. in the category: Inspirational People & Places.
Cover Photo: The Belsize Library circa 1937-1939, courtesy of RIBA Archive.
