Find out about the latest developments, events and opportunities across Camden Libraries, including new services and ways to share your views.
Library opening hours
Library opening hours will vary slightly during the Christmas period:
- Wednesday 24 December - libraries closing at 1pm
- Thursday 25 December – libraries closed
- Friday 26 December – libraries closed
- Saturday 27 December - libraries open usual times
- Sunday 28 December – Pancras Square library open usual times
- Monday 29 December – libraries open usual times
- Tuesday 30 December – libraries open usual times
- Wednesday 31 December – libraries closing at 4pm
- Thursday 1 January 2026 – libraries closed
Highgate Library will be closed from Monday 22 December, and will reopen on Tuesday 6 January 2026.
All other Camden libraries will return to their usual opening times on Friday 2 January 2026.
Library of Things at Swiss Cottage Library
Library of Things is now open at Swiss Cottage Library, giving you the chance to rent useful household items instead of buying them. From power drills, sanders and other DIY tools to carpet cleaners, sewing machines and even projectors, there are a wide range of items available to help with everyday tasks and special projects.
Borrowing is affordable, convenient and kinder to the environment, making it a great way to save money, reduce waste and access the things you need when you need them.
Explore what’s on offer and find out how Library of Things works.
Free SIM Cards for residents
If you're struggling or know someone who is struggling to afford mobile data or staying connected, we may be able to help.
We’ve partnered with the Good Things Foundation as part of the National Databank to provide free SIM cards and mobile data to residents who need support accessing the internet. Visit the Free SIM cards for residents page to find out more.
Dollywood Foundation and the Imagination Library
We are working with the Dollywood Foundation to offer the Imagination Library in Camden funded by The People’s Postcode Lottery. To find out how you can register your children to receive a free book each month until their fifth birthday, visit the Dolly Parton's Imagination Library page.
Feedback for the Summer Reading Challenge
Libraries and a charity called The Reading Agency are planning next year’s Summer Reading Challenge, and we’d like to ask you some questions about what matters most to you about the Challenge. There are no right or wrong answers – we want to know exactly what you think, and your ideas. The ideas we look at today will be shared with The Reading Agency as they develop the 2026 Challenge. You will be able to see how your ideas have taken shape when the Challenge begins next summer. Share your feedback using the form.
Share your thoughts on Rhyme Time and the library
If you have a child under 5, let us know what you enjoy about Rhyme Time and the library and what could be improved. If you also use Camden’s Children’s Centres and Family Hubs, we’d love to hear how they support you.
Your feedback helps us improve services for all Camden families.
Reading Well for families
Browse the Reading Well for families, a new collection supporting the mental health and wellbeing of families during pregnancy and the early years (from conception to age two). Available in all Camden Libraries, this evidence-based book collection provides crucial mental health support for parents, carers, and their wider networks mental health and wellbeing during the first 1,001 days of a child's life.
The Reading Well for families collection, developed by The Reading Agency in partnership with Libraries Connected and Society of Chief Librarians (SCL) Cymru, recommends helpful reading on topics such as parental wellbeing, perinatal mental health problems (including anxiety, depression, OCD, and birth trauma), and coping with loss (including miscarriage, stillbirth, and neonatal death).
The full list of titles can be viewed on the Reading Agency website.
The books can be borrowed for free from your local library. The collection is available in multiple formats including physical books, eBooks, audiobooks. Browse our digital collections on Libby and BorrowBox.
Borrow a ukulele
Borrow a Ukulele from Swiss Cottage library. Find out more and book.
Community Café
Come and try the tasty food at the new Community Café run by Lifeafterhummus, at Pancras Square Library. The café is open Tuesday to Saturday, 12pm to 5.30pm.
Contacting the Council at your local library
Courtesy phones have recently been reinstated in all Camden Libraries except Pancras Square Library where residents can speak with a team member at Contact Camden. This means you can speak with someone and complete tasks by using the phone at the library. Ask the library team if you need assistance.