Artwork for Friends of Barham Library will be made from real books

Brent & Kilburn Times: Cllr Paul Lorber with with 'Accolade' a sculptor by Rudolph Mendoza.Cllr Paul Lorber with with 'Accolade' a sculptor by Rudolph Mendoza. (Image: Archant)

A community library have commissioned a ‘books inspired’ sculpture from a Brent artist to celebrate the first anniversary of its opening.

The new sculpture by Rudolph Mendoza for Friends of Barham Library will be made from real books and will feature one of FOBL’s long standing volunteers and Francis Henry from Daniels Estate Agents.

The reading room in High Road, Wembley, opened on August 11 last year after Brent Council axed Braham Library and five other branches in 2011 in a £1million cost-cutting measure.

In the last year FOBL have raised the £25,000 needed to place a bid for the former library site and continue to campaign to be allowed to takeover the building.

Cllr Paul Lorber, leader of the Brent Liberal Democrats and FOBL volunteer, said: “Local people want their Barham Library back and cannot understand why Labour Councillors have kept the building empty of 20 months now.

“Besides offering a library service we are keen for local people to enjoy and experience a wider cultural experience.

“We hope that our sculpture will inspire local people to try something new and show off their talents.”

As well has housing 8,000 books, the community library provides space for a mothers and toddlers group and hope to offer study spaces, access to computers, a children and adults library, English language sessions, a book club and provide space for other groups providing leisure and educational activities for the community in the future.

Trinidadian-born Mr Mendoza will be displaying sculptures from his collection at the Sudbury Arts Festival which has been organised by Sudbury Town Residents Association from September 26 – 29.