An author from Kensal Rise has officially opened a £350,000 new library at a grammar school in Hampstead Garden Suburb.

Brent & Kilburn Times: Professor Maggie Gee opens the new library at Henrietta Barnett School. Picture: Nigel SuttonProfessor Maggie Gee opens the new library at Henrietta Barnett School. Picture: Nigel Sutton (Image: © Nigel Sutton email pictures@nigelsuttonphotography.com)

Professor Maggie Gee OBE cut a red ribbon to unveil a plaque at all-girls Henrietta Barnett School last week.

The Bath Spa University lecturer has links to the school, having sent her daughter there.

Headteacher Del Cooke said: “We are thrilled to bit with the library – it has exceeded our expectations and the students love it.

“It is now the favourite place for students to be and is big enough to accommodate them.”

Professor Gee, who was has lived in Kensal Rise for more than 25 years, campaigned against the closure of her local library branch.

Brent Council closed Kensal Rise Library in Bathurst Gardens, alongside Neasden, Tokyngton, Braham, Cricklewood and Preston branches in 2011 to save £1million a year.

She was made an OBE in 2011 for her services to literature.