North Harrow Community Library (NHCL) is a volunteer-led initiative that was established when local residents came together to save the library from council closure. With strong community backing, a charity was formed and a successful business plan was submitted to take over its operation. After three years of negotiations, NHCL secured a 20-year sublease and officially reopened the library in September 2018. Since then, membership has grown to over 3,000, including more than 1,200 children under the age of 16.

The library offers free access to a collection of around 25,000 books, computers, and regular activities for children such as toddler rhyme time and arts and crafts workshops. Around 300 schoolchildren visit each term as part of literacy programmes, and special events like the Jubilee celebration have drawn up to 100 children. As a community hub, NHCL also partners with other charities and groups and recently opened as a “warm hub,” offering a safe and welcoming space, especially for children and families. Their goal is to encourage greater library use and boost literacy through engaging, child-focused programming.