A host of famous actors and writers will be taking part in ‘a night of poetry and readings’ to raise funds for Kensal Rise community library.
The celebrities will also participate in a Q&A session in the event which is part of a campaign to raise £100,000 needed for the library’s running costs.
All proceeds from the event at Paradise by way of Kensal Rise in Kilburn Lane, will be injected into the community space within the former council-run branch in Bathurst Gardens, which will open later this year.
The branch was closed alongside five other by Brent Council in 2011 to save £1million-a-year.
Residents formed Friends of Kensal Rise Library (FKRL) to closure and after the branch was axed they launched a successful battle to be allocated space within the building to open a community-run reading room.
Margaret Bailey, chairwoman of FKRL, said: “Once again we have support for our campaign to retain a library at the heart of our community.
“There can be no doubt that this is what our residents and supporters have fought for nearly five years.
“We have won back the space and now we need to furnish it to make it a library and public space that we can all be proud of.
“We will all share that task, just as we have shared the fight to preserve the library.
“It may take a while, but we will get there - and events such as the ‘Actor’s Night’ are important in helping us achieve this goal.”
Famous names taking part on the night include Kensal Rise-resident Danny John-Jules, Tamsin Greig, Haydn Gwynne, Guardian columnist Tim Lott and author Allen Samuels.
Ms Greig said: “This Library, and by definition all libraries, are havens and sanctuaries to be supported, and not to be threatened with closure.”
The event takes place on February 28 at starts a 7pm.
Tickets cost £8 (plus voluntary £2 library donation) on the door.
Advance tickets are available at C& D Wine in College Road and Daniels Real Estate in Chamberlayne Rd, both in Kensal Rise.
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