My next and last stop was the old Preston Library closed by Brent Council and currently used as an annex for Preston Park Primary School. Once surrounded by similar hoardings to those erected at Kensal Rise the building was in use again to celebrate National Libraries Day. The Save Preston Library Campaign has been particularly imaginative in its campaigning and the range of events it organises from pub quizzes to literary celebrations. As well as using the Old Library building as a Community Hub they operate a Community Library on Preston Road,
New building is to take place on the school's main site to enable the school to expand and the school will vacate the annex.. As it still belongs to the Brent Council there are hopes that it could revert to its previous use.
![]() |
| Musician and writer Leon Rosselson took children on a 'Bear Hunt' before reading from his own books | |
|
![]() |
| Reading aloud to the audience |
![]() |
| Book making |
![]() |
| Finishing with a song |
My visits to all three library campaigns, Kensal Rise, Barham and Preston, was a humbling experience. One cannot but be impressed by the resilience of Brent residents and their resistance to losing their cherished services.
I wish them all success in their campaigns as we approach the local elections.
