Kensal Rise pop-up library pulled down

Library supporters have criticised the destruction of a beloved pop-up library in Kensal Rise.

The temporary library was set up nearly two years ago after the council decided to close Kensal Rise library in a bid to save £1m. The building was owned by All Souls College, Oxford, and has now been passed to developer Andrew Gillick, according to the Kilburn Times.

Contractors arrived early on Friday (31st January) to remove books and shelving from the building, and erect fencing around the building.

In a statement, All Soul's said the action was taken after Barnet council said the pop-up library was in breach of planning control. It said: "The council asked us to do this a long time ago but we didn’t in the interest of the community. We waited till the last possible moment until we were legally obligated to vacate the property.” It added that it is still looking "to work with the community not against it".

Margaret Bailey, chair of the Friends of Kensal Rise Library, criticised the destruction, which campaigners say saw books left on the street in the rain. She said: "The developer has said he wants to consult with local people but this recent destruction of the community pop up library shows his type of consulting. All Souls must bear some of the responsibility for this destruction. They chose Mr Andrew Gillick over working with this community. They made the choice to go for the highest financial return, for their College, one of the richest in Oxford, rather than listen to a community who simply wanted to retain a library at its heart."

Kensal Rise library, which was opened by Mark Twain, has had several celebrity supporters, including Zadie Smith, Alan Bennett and Philip Pullman. Developers had been hoping to turn the building into flats, but initial proposals were rejected in September 2013. New plans are expected to be submitted in future.