Crusaders need �25,000 to take over building of axed branch

A community library in Wembley striving to raise �25,000 to occupy their former home have urged local business and residents to help them on their way.

Members of the Friends of Barham Library (FOBL) have already raised �2,500 towards their target, which, if reached, they claim will allow them to put forward an application to lease the former library building in Barham Park, Harrow Road.

Barham Library was one of six shut down by Brent Council in a cost cutting drive last year and the local authority are now looking to lease the building to potential new tenants.

But, undeterred, members of FOBL have set up their own temporary community space in Wembley High Road and have been desperately trying to raise the money they need.

The appeal has so far had generous donations of �500 and �250 while many local residents have also contributed �25.

The appeal was also boosted by four walkers and regular library volunteers whose sponsored walk in Fryent Country Park in September raised more than �400.

In addition, the group also have a separate fundraising drive underway to help keep their temporary library open.

Cllr, Paul Lorber, leader of Brent’s Liberal Democrat opposition and a member of FOBL, said the work of volunteers had shown the value of a library service.

He said: “Our small but loyal army of volunteers has made our volunteer library a success already.

“We have repaired and brought back into use an empty shop in Wembley High Road and provide a valuable library and 2nd hand bookshop service to local people.

“The Library has established itself as an important feature in the High Road just a few hundred meters from Wembley National Stadium.

“We have shown that a bunch of volunteers can do this with limited resources but great deal of will power.”

Residents and business are being urged to support the �25,000 appeal by visiting the Barham Volunteer Library at 428 High Road Wembley.

The Library is open on Saturdays between 11am to 4pm and on Mondays & Wednesdays from 12pm to 5p.m.

Brent Council’s move to close down Barham, Cricklewood, Kensal Rise, Neasden, Tokyngton and Preston libraries will save �1m.