- Home

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

FoWHL AGM 2020 report

FoWHL's AGM took place on March 10 and resulted in the re-election of David Stevenson as Chair, for his second term of office. Following the departure of Treasurer Simon Mulliner (see News), Secretary Christine Marchant has taken on the role of Treasurer.

However, FoWHL now has a vacancy on its committee, and in particular is looking for someone to take the minutes at meetings (about three times a year).

If you would be interested in joining us, or have other skills you think FoWHL can use, please email us here and we can tell you more.

FoWHL FM update

Regrettably, FoWHL FM – our informal study and discussion group, held on the First Monday of every month in the Children's Library from 6-7pm – will not take place until the current Coronavirus crisis is over. (Photo by Janet Nabney)

FoWHL Rhyme Time sessions

Also cancelled until further notice.

Coronavirus update

Owing to Coronavirus, West Hampstead Library is now closed until further notice.

However until we hear otherwise, the following Camden Libraries will remain open: Swiss Cottage, Holborn and Pancras Square.

FoWHL understands that if you have library books out on loan and are NOT able to return them, NO fines will be charged.

But please do watch out for any further updates.

• Please also note that the date for our next scheduled event – Fabian Watkinson's talk on The Golden Era of Camden Housing – scheduled for May 10 – is subject to review.

Monty – perhaps the most famous pooch in West Hampstead – sponges up yet more philosophical wisdom from Anthony McGowan (left), much to the amusement of FoWHL Chair David Stevenson (right), at our most recent meeting on March 10. More images on our What's On page.

Can't get to the library but desperate to read? Meet Libby – your online library, courtesy of Camden Libraries

Did you know that as well as thousands of books, journal, CDs and DVDs, West Hampstead Library now has a selection of e-books and audiobooks available for you, at no charge?

All you need is a Camden Libraries ticket, and an app called Libby.
Once you have signed in as a West Hampstead Library user, you can download the books instantly, using whichever device suits you best.

Click here to learn more

And when you have tried it, please let us know how you got on, and what you think.