Greenford Library has officially reopened as a community-managed library following the transfer of its operation from Ealing Council to the Young Ealing Foundation.
The Hub @ Greenford Library opened yesterday (27 January 2026) as Ealing’s newest community-managed library. Previously run by Ealing Council and due to close, the building has reopened under the Young Ealing Foundation’s management.
Greenford Library, which first opened on 6 October 1934, was handed over by Ealing Council on 1 October 2025. The Hub @ Greenford Library is now in the process of setting itself up as an independent registered charity.
The Young Ealing Foundation said the Hub would help address gaps in youth provision in the area. Its chief executive, Elly Heaton, said: “Before today, there were too many children in Greenford living in poverty and stuck at home in flats with nowhere to go. Greenford was a real cold spot for youth services. As a community we won’t accept that for our children and young people. We have worked hard over the last year to make our dream come true.”
The opening was marked with a fairytale-themed event attended by residents, community groups and local representatives. Award-winning children’s author Sam Copeland cut the ribbon alongside Ealing’s Deputy Lieutenant Richard Kornicki.
During the event, children attended a book reading by Mr Copeland, while performances were given by young people who attend activities at the Hub, alongside a living history installation created by community members.
Mr Copeland said: “Libraries were hugely important to me as a child, and Ealing libraries were equally important to my children. We must do all we can to protect them and I am delighted to help open this wonderfully transformed space that will be a huge asset to the community.”
The Deputy Lieutenant Richard Kornicki added: “There is always something inspiring about a community coming together to meet its own needs. Libraries and the books they contain open doors to whole new worlds and experiences, the benefits of which can last a lifetime.”
Councillor Louise Brett, deputy leader of Ealing Council, said: “Ealing Council is delighted that the Young Ealing Foundation has officially taken over the management of Greenford Library. This project is a testament to our strong partnership and shared values, and we are excited to see the community drive this significant step forward for the area.”
The library is currently open to the public two days a week, from 10am to 2pm on Wednesdays and from 1pm to 5pm on Thursdays. During these hours, residents can borrow books and use the IT suite. Organisers say opening hours are expected to expand over the next year following consultation with the community.
Outside of public opening times, the building is used by community groups and charities delivering activities including parent carer coffee mornings, knit and natter sessions, careers advice, adult education classes and children’s activities such as arts and crafts and rhyme time.
Councillor Aysha Raza, who represents Central Greenford ward and is a trustee of the library, told EALING.NEWS that the reopening was significant both personally and for the wider area. She said: “Having grown up in this area and used this library since I was a kid, I know how important it is. Local schools and local people really need a hub, somewhere they can gather.”
She added that a lack of activities for young people in Greenford had been a longstanding issue. “Not everybody wants to play football, and not everybody is interested in the same activities. What’s so special about today is that there are so many different groups offering different things for young people and for the wider community.”
The Hub is also recruiting volunteers to support activities ranging from book lending to social media. Community spaces within the building are available to hire by organisations working for the benefit of the local community.
Organisers say the long-term aim is for the Hub to become a daily meeting place for residents of all ages, with services shaped by local demand. Anyone interested in getting involved or finding out more can visit greenfordlibrary.org.uk or call in during opening hours.
