A very enjoyable afternoon at Hammersmith Library for its re-opening.  The refurbishment preserved all the best elements of the 1905 Grade II listed building  but also provided an array of improvements.

These include new books, self-service terminals installed to reduce queues, Wi-Fi,  new shelves, more comfortable seating and improved access for disabled people.

Cllr Greg Smith, the Conservative Group leader who as the Council’s deputy leader was responsible for the changes, was among the guests. Most of the cost of the work came from property developers via Section 106 agreements. The Mayor, Cllr Mercy Umeh cut the cake. Other guests included Cllr Caroline ffiske, Conservative councillor for Avonmore and Brook Green Ward.

I was delighted that some of the borough’s archives have been moved in. (The rest are still at Lila Huset on Talgarth Road but the lease expires there in 2016.) While I enjoyed the February 1962 issue of The Fulham Ratepayer, I was even more taken by the Whiteholt Community Association newsletter with its firm rebuke to its members for the “lack of support for the many activities organised for you.”