Turning the page: a fresh start for Canning Town Old library

NEANDRA ETIENNE

Local residents, councillors and Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz attended the open day for Canning Town Old Library at Custom House and Canning Town Community Neighbourhood Centre and Library. The design team working on the project and library staff were there to explain the information being presented and answer any questions. A model of the building was on display to help residents understand the spaces and proposals in more detail.

Newham Council plans to reinstate the Grade II listed as a valuable community asset that will celebrate Newham’s heritage. The building has been vacant since the new library was opened in Rathbone market in 2017.

Once the renovation is complete, the Old Library will include: Newham’s heritage collection; a new archive, reading room, digital media suite, teaching and learning space; café and exhibition space and community space to be leased to a third party operator.

The centre will also host cultural and educational programmes for the annual Newham Heritage Month events.

During the open day residents were invited to leave comments and feedback on the individual information boards that outlined the design proposals, future uses and overall visioning of the Canning Town Old Library.

A resident expressed concern for the proposed new café because the café