Formed in 1998, the Friends of West Hampstead Library (FoWHL) is a community organisation consisting of around 400 library users – mostly local residents but also people who work in West Hampstead or are passing through.
Our main aim is to ensure that, at a time of deep cuts in council budgets, the library remains open, and continues to provide the level of core services that library users need and want, and which local residents fund through their council tax. Like the library itself, membership of FoWHL is free. To become a FoWHL member and receive notice of all future events, or to send an email, click here If you are not on email, keep an eye on the FoWHL noticeboard (by the lift, inside the library). Or follow us on @FoWHLNW6 NEW YORKER
comes to the library 
Readers of the New Yorker magazine will be delighted to learn that the respected monthly is now available at West Hampstead Library, all thanks to a generous donation from one of the Friends.
As many library users will be aware, owing to ongoing budget cuts over the last few years, Camden Libraries have stopped subscribing to a number of newspapers and journals. So in May FoWHL put out an appeal to members and first to respond, with her latest copy of the New Yorker, was Janet Nabney. Thanks Janet, and if you subscribe to a magazine that you think library users might be interested in, and if you are able to hand on your copy within a week or so of the end of the month, then please do get in touch. (Please note that the library staff must approve the title, that copies should be in good condition and that the library will not be able to retain back copies.) 
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
Before you head off for your hols, here are some dates to note in your diary: Thursday September 13 the ever popular Tata Isa French music sessions will return after their summer vacances. For more details of their sessions, click here. Also on Thursday September 13, in the upstairs library, FoWHL is hosting another poetry evening with our Writer in Residence Ted Booth and FoWHL stalwart Flick Rea. Last year Ted and Flick focused on Hampstead Poets, and a glorious evening it was too. This year? We await their deliberations... On Tuesday October 24 our special guest is musician Graham Gouldman, once of 10cc and for many years one of British pop's most prolific songwriters. Remember 'For Your Love' by the Yardbirds? That was one of Graham's. And 'Bus Stop' by the Hollies. And 'No Milk Today' by Herman's Hermits… the toe-tapping list goes on. Graham will talk about his career, and - whoopee! - he has promised to bring his guitar. (Note: nearer the time we will take bookings for this event via Eventbrite.) |
Ted bows out with evening of poetry and prose
Writer in Residence Ted Booth will sign off from his duties on Wednesday, September 13 with an evening of his some of his favourite prose and poetry, ably assisted by FoWHL stalwart and local councillor, Flick Rea. Those who attended Ted and Flick's memorable evening last year will recall what splendid entertainment they provided.
Entry is free and there is no booking, so please do turn up in time for our 7.30pm start. 
The Reading Agency – a charity which aims to promote and encourage people of all ages to pick up books and enjoy reading – has very generously handed over several copies of six 'PERFECT SUMMER READS' to West Hampstead Library,
The collection – found in its own display in the main library - features the latest novels by Anne Tyler, Keggie Carew, Julie Myerson, Rose Tremain, Ruth Ware and Paul Kalanithi. 'The Reading Agency Summer Reads is terrific, said West Hampstead resident and FoWHL member, Jane Feinmann. 'These sort of initiatives are exactly what's needed to keep people coming into the library.' For more about the Reading Agency, click here. DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO BECOME A FoWHL FIVER?
FoWHL has launched its 'super duper' FoWHL FIVER campaign
• All you have to do to become a FoWHL Fiver is jolly FIVE friends or neighbours (who must live in Camden) to join West Hampstead library. • All they have to do is call in at the library or go online and join! It's as easy as that. • Once all five have signed up, you send us their names (preferably via email), and we will honour you and all FoWHL FIVERS on a roll of honour on our noticeboard and on this website. 'There is no higher honour we can bestow,' says FoWHL chair, Simon Inglis. 'And your five enrollees - yes there is such a word - will be forever in your debt. Plus, there might even be a few prizes on offer at our next AGM...' |
• Please note this website supersedes our previous website at www.fowhl.co.uk
