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Thank you for subscribing to Brent Council’s fortnightly Libraries, Culture and Heritage newsletter, featuring news and events from our services and from local cultural partners. |
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A new story for Kilburn LibraryÂ
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| Kilburn Library will close on Monday 7 July for a landmark ÂŁ1million refurbishment, creating a modern, inclusive and vibrant space for the entire community.
This investment is made possible by £783,000 in funding from the council’sStrategic Community Infrastructure Levy and £231,500 from Arts Council England. The refurbishment will provide a range of exciting new features to better meet the needs of Brent’s growing and diverse communities in the south of the borough.
Visitors can look forward to an exciting new outlook including:
- A brand-new digital area with upgraded IT facilities
- A new modernised, comfortable and welcoming children’s library, offering an engaging learning environment
- Flexible spaces for events, activities, community programmes and exhibitions
- More study areas for students and remote workers
- A new extension featuring a hireable community space
The new community space will be available for hire at competitive rates, offering local groups and residents an affordable venue for meetings, workshops and events.
Cllr Promise Knight, Cabinet Member for Customer Experience, Resident Support and Culture, said:
“Library users asked for additional study spaces, exhibition areas, and enhanced digital facilities – and we are pleased to deliver on these requests.
This landmark investment in Kilburn Library will provide increased capacity for learning, a versatile new space for events and creative activities, and a dedicated digital zone for all.
Libraries serve as vital hubs within our communities, and we are delighted to further enrich Kilburn Library as a vibrant and welcoming environment.”
During the refurbishment period, temporary alternative arrangements will be in place to continue serving the community and ensure access to key services. We are working on the details and updates will follow.
The Library at Willesden Green and Harlesden library are still open and close by to Kilburn library. The service provision at these libraries remains unaffected. More details of all Brent Library locations can be found on our website. Alternatively, you can contact 020 8937 3400 or libraries@brent.gov.uk, Monday to Friday (10am – 5pm) .
Kilburn Library will temporarily close on Monday 7 July and is set to reopen early 2026. Read the news story on the Brent website.
We will be holding an information day at the Library on Saturday 28 June, 11am  – 4pm for residents to learn more about the refurbishment. |
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Wembley Library book club
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| A book club that focuses on stories that combine humour, heartfelt moments, and life-changing adventures, often with a touch of mystery or the fantastical.
Discover books from literary voices from all walks of life, exploring themes of personal growth, connection, and the unexpected twists life can take – perfect for people who enjoy light-hearted yet thought-provoking narratives!
All welcome – drop in. |
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  Where: Wembley Library
  When: First Monday of the month:
7 July, 4 August, 1 September, 6.30-7.30pm
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| Looking to boost your health and wellbeing? Join Brent Health Matters and NHS for a series of informative and engaging sessions designed to support your physical and mental health.
Each session will feature a 45-minute interactive talk and Q&A, followed by 15 minutes of light, chair-based exercises.
Topics covered include:
- Nutrition
- Asthma
- Cancer awareness
- Emotional wellbeing
- Making use of Community Health Pods
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  Where: Harlesden Library
  When: Mondays 23 June, 30 June, 7 July, 4-5pm
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| Does your child ever wonder why they feel happy, sad, or excited?
Our upcoming Library STEM Club workshop, “Feelings and Emotions,” is designed for children aged 8-11 to explore the fascinating world of human emotions through exciting STEM activities! |
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Community Health and Fun Day
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| Enjoy craft workshops, face painting and raffle prizes. Plus, get expert health and wellbeing advice, oral health tips, free blood pressure checks, diabetes risk assessments and enjoy healthy workshops with Brent Health Matters and NHS.
The Health and Wellbeing bus will be on site offering health checks from 11am to 4.30pm.
Don’t miss out — come along and take care of your mind and body! |
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  Where: Kingsbury Library
  When: Saturday 28 June, 12 – 4pm
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The nourishment corner: Infant feeding education for parents
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| Are you breastfeeding, bottle feeding or both? This session is for you!
Led by Brent Infant Feeding Service, you will gain practical skills and connect with other mums on similar journeys.
Suitable for babies 0-6 months. All feeding choices respected. Drop in. |
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     Where: Harlesden Library
    When: Friday 20 June, 10.30am – 12noon
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Shaw Trust employment support
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| Connect to Work is a government funded programme to help people find and keep a job.
Shaw Trust delivers comprehensive employment support through the government-funded Connect to Work programme, designed to help individuals find and sustain meaningful employment.
This initiative focuses on people facing barriers to work, including those with disabilities, health conditions, or other complex circumstances. A crucial part of the programme is its focus on helping you overcome any personal barriers you might face, offering tailored strategies and ongoing support. Drop in. |
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Where: The Library at Willesden Green
When: First Thursday of the month:
3 July, 7 August, 4 September, 3-5pm
Where: Wembley Library
When: Second Monday of the month:
14 July, 11 August 8 September, 11am-1pm
     Where: Harlesden Library
     When: Third Tuesday of the month:
15 July, 19 August, 16 September, 3-5pm
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| Discover a great new audiobook read by a celebrity – includes autobiographies! |
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| Discover something new, different and inspiring with this collection of audiobooks. |
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Exhibition – Decolonising Brent: Erasure and Visibility, Resistance and Representation
Until 12 July
Willesden Gallery, The Library at Willesden Green
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| Marking 100 years since the British Empire Exhibition, eleven Brent-based artists —Nadine Aranki, Clare Barstow, Sincelia Chan, Mishael Downer, Simmi Dullay, Isher Dhiman, Marco Ferrara, Yasmine Nicholas, Gurnoor Singh, Valerie Vamanrav, and Ngo ChunTse —reclaim colonial archives in this powerful group show.
Curated by Simmi Dullay, the exhibition confronts imperial propaganda through painting, performance and sound.
This exhibition is part of Becoming Brent. |
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Celebrating Diverse Cultures in Kingsbury High Road
Until summer 2025, Kingsbury Library
Free, drop in
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Enjoy the beautiful clay pieces made byYear 5 children from Kingsbury Green Primary School that reflect the diverse patterns and shapes seen in shops along Kingsbury High Road.
This exhibition is part of Becoming Brent. |
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Becoming Brent and the British Empire Exhibition 1924 and 1925
Until Sunday 17 August, The Library at Willesden Green
Free, drop in
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An exhibition exploring the complex and challenging histories of Britain’s colonial past to examine how local and global influences have shaped Brent and how the borough is reconciling with the legacies of empire.
This exhibition is part of Becoming Brent. |
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