Our Story

For many years the Northfields area was served by Ealing council who were responsible for running Northfields Library, however in 2019 the closure of this library seemed imminent.  Residents would not have access to local library facilities which would result in having to visit Ealing Central Library located in Ealing Broadway. Moreover this would adversely impact on families with young children and senior residents .  However, with local support a bid was submitted to Ealing Council which was successful. This resulted in the formation of Northfields Community Library (NCL) in 2019- which was registered as a charity. 

The clear vision set out by founding Trustees was for NCL to become a vibrant and welcoming library, inclusive to all local residents. Recruiting began for a new tranche of volunteers. 

But then Covid intervened which put a halt to the opening of the library. With strong leadership from the Trustees, NCL was able to operate as a virtual library with a Click and Collect service and trained up volunteers. In addition, we ran on-line activities for children and adults, as well as, a Book Club.  This club enabled people to connect & ‘socialise’ via Zoom at a very difficult time.  As soon as restrictions were lifted NCL became the first community run library to provide a basic service in Ealing. 

Since 2021 NCL has developed into a vibrant community hub aspiring to be inclusive, bringing people together in a welcoming space, by providing a wide array of events and activities. Hence NCL has sought to be more than just a lending library of books but a space to gain knowledge, socialise and obtain advice. 

There are increasingly more in-house activities for different sections of the community for example: Knit & natter, Book club, Author talks, Rhyme time, holiday activities for children. Moreover, there are Duke of Edinburgh opportunities for teenagers too. 

It is heart-warming to see pre-school children excitedly turning pages of story books, whilst earlier on, in another section of the library two chess players were quietly engrossed in their game. On another day you might see children doing arts and crafts, producing colourful paintings or designs as their carers rest and catch up with each other. 

On Wednesday mornings the ever popular Knit and Natter group gather, surrounded by balls of wool, animatedly in conversation as they produce woollen decorative pieces / designs which are displayed in the library. 

Many library users have commented on the difference NCL has made to their lives. 

NCL received a Warm Space grant so during the winter months residents can use the library as a warm space – just to sit, chat and have a hot drink. 

This success has not been possible without the support of our volunteer base of approximately 80 people who have helped to manage the library behind the scenes and cultivate a relaxing, welcoming atmosphere within it when helping library users. 

One volunteer commented…. 

“I think the joy of working in this library is that it is more than just a library; we offer a lot of events and activities, I do the Rhyme time session every fortnight and I love it” 

Then in 2023, to everyone’s amazement NCL was delighted to receive an award in the ‘Organisation Led by Volunteers’ category at the Ealing Voluntary Sector Awards ceremony. 

This has subsequently led to NCL appearing in ‘Around Ealing’ magazine in 2024, raising the profile of the library and the services it has to offer . 

Over the last couple of years there has been a huge growth in the number of events, reflected in the increase in footfall, signifying a strengthening relationship with the community. All the many services that NCL offers are provided in a convenient location too-with easy access to the bus and underground network ! 

So to the future….. 

Building on earlier successes NCL still strives to meet its vision and mission of serving the local communities by expanding outreach initiatives, providing a range of in-house activities & events for families and senior residents.  NCL aims to build relationships with local schools, & under-represented groups. Also to continue to engage with the local community within the Northfields and South Ealing neighbourhoods . Also to host partners eg training organisations which provide services to those beyond the Northfields area. It is important that NCL has a financially sustainable future so there is potential to network with businesses nearby.