Campaigners gather outside Kensal Rise Library as prospective buyers view the building

Victorian building was closed by Brent Council last year

In the short clip above, library campaigner Margaret Bailey explains to the Times why they have gathered outside the building.

Campaigners gathered outside Kensal Rise Library today as a property agent offered block viewings of the premises with a view to sell.

Interested parties were shown round the deserted reading room by Cluttons Property Consultants, working on behalf of All Souls College in Oxford, who own the building.

Members of the Friends of Kensal Rise Library Campaign (FOKR) gathered outside the building in Bathurst Gardens to speak to other interested parties and put forward their ideas for a community space.

Speaking to the Times, Sam Graham, who was leading the viewings, said a final decision was expected to be made in the coming weeks.

He said: “All Soul’s didn’t really want this building back but they now have to make long term sustainable use of it.

“They are a charity and have charitable objectives but have to listen to a variety of proposals.”

Kensal Rise Library was shut down permanantly last year by Brent Council alogside Cricklewood, Neasden, Preston, Tokyngton and Barham libraries in a move which will save the local authority �1m.

A similar viewing will take place tomorrow at Cricklewood Library in Olive Road, Cricklewood, which is also owned by All Souls College.

Click on the photo gallery at the top right to see images of the inside of the library.