Brent’s Kilburn Library on Salusbury Road is set to reopen on 2 February after a £1 million redevelopment, marking a significant investment in local cultural and community infrastructure. The project positions the building as a renewed public resource for residents in the south of the borough.
Funding for the Kilburn Library reopening has been drawn from multiple sources. £783,000 was provided through the council’s Strategic Community Infrastructure Levy, with a further £231,500 contributed by Arts Council England. Together, these funds have supported a comprehensive reworking of the library’s interior and facilities.
The refurbishment has been designed to respect the building’s 130 year old Victorian architecture while adapting it to contemporary use. The updated layout now operates across a single floor, offering flexible spaces that can be used for exhibitions, workshops, performances and a range of community activities.
A key feature of the Kilburn Library reopening is the upgraded community space known as studio42. This refurbished room is available for hire and includes a screen and Wi-Fi, making it suitable for meetings, courses, group sessions and local events.
Cllr Promise Knight, Cabinet Member for Customer Experience, Resident Support and Culture, said: “We are thrilled to welcome everyone back to the new Kilburn Library on Salusbury Road. This refurbishment is a testament to our commitment to providing inclusive and accessible services that bring people together. The enhanced facilities will support learning, creativity and connection across our vibrant community. We can’t wait to see Kilburn Library become a hub for inspiration, collaboration and culture for years to come.”
Further improvements introduced ahead of the Kilburn Library reopening include refreshed interior design, new soft furnishings and additional study areas. A dedicated digital zone has also been created, with staff on hand to provide support with basic IT queries.
Families are expected to benefit from a redesigned children’s area, which has been updated to encourage curiosity and early learning. The space incorporates interactive and tactile sensory elements intended to support an inclusive experience for young visitors.
BookTrust story and rhyme sessions for under-fives will continue at the library, with the addition of a monthly Saturday session. This change is intended to increase accessibility for families who may not be able to attend weekday activities.
The library’s stock collection has also been expanded and refreshed. With 2026 designated as the National Year of Reading, the Kilburn Library reopening places the venue at the centre of Brent’s planned celebrations and reading initiatives over the coming year.
