Welcome to From North to South: Islington's Carnegie libraries event!
Join us at Islington’s Central Library for a fascinating talk celebrating the Public Library Act 1850 and the enduring legacy of the borough’s four Carnegie-funded libraries: North (1906), Central and West (1907), and South (built 1915-16, opened1921), all still serving communities today. Led by expert local historian and guide, Jiff Bayliss, this event explores the libraries’ rich history and continued impact. Book your free place today and be part of the story!
North Library
The first Library to be open in Islington in1906. A pioneer in library innovation, North Library was among the first in the UK to introduce open-access shelving and a dedicated children’s library, thanks to the vision of librarian James Duff Brown, well known in Europe for his expertise and innovative ideas. It revolutionised how the public interacted with books. Between 1916 and 1921, the library was also used as a military hospital.
Central Library
Opened in 1907, Islington Central Library was the largest municipal library in London at the time. Funded by philanthropist Andrew Carnegie at a cost of £20,000, it became a beacon of public learning and civic pride.
West Library
Since opening in 1907, West Library has celebrated literacy in a unique way — its façade features all 26 letters of the alphabet, each carved above the windows and adorned with classical Greek motifs.
South Library
Before it officially opened in 1921, South Library was occupied by unemployed residents in 1920 seeking shelter during a harsh winter. Their peaceful protest highlighted the urgent need for housing and social support in post-First World War Islington
These four Libraries were built with funding from Scottish-American philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, who financed over 2,500 libraries worldwide as part of his commitment to public education.
