Remembering the Carnegie Library occupation ten years ago – commemoration event on Sat 18th April 2026
Next Saturday, 18th April, the Friends of Carnegie Library are hosting an event to celebrate the Carnegie Library occupation ten years ago. They say: “If you were there, come and …
Black News 
Next Saturday, 18th April, the Friends of Carnegie Library are hosting an event to celebrate the Carnegie Library occupation ten years ago.
They say: “If you were there, come and share your stories, photos and souvenirs – if you weren’t, come and find out what happened!”
Here’s what happened
On 31 March 2016, Lambeth Council closed the Carnegie Library in Herne Hill for an indefinite period, to install an unwanted gym – despite borough-wide ridicule and furious, sustained local opposition.
Local residents refused to leave and remained in occupation for 9 days. Occupiers ranged in age from 70+ to 10 months.
The occupation attracted huge support. It featured widely on TV news, national and international press.
Lambeth residents galore brought food, basic supplies from soap to blankets, and even wine.
Visitors included a junior doctors’ march, St Saviour’s church, and top authors Toby Litt, Francesca Simon and Stella Duffy – who collected a petition of over 200 supporting authors.
When the occupiers left, following a court order, they marched with over 1,000 supporters to Lambeth Town Hall and held the biggest rally seen in Windrush Square for decades.
Lambeth council took absolutely no notice.
Alterations proceeded, including removing the kitchen, spoiling the garden and making changes that mean all the community groups that used the building are now completely priced out.
Bizarrely, Labour election leaflets boast: “Carnegie Library Hub has been transformed into a community hub.” It has certainly been transformed.
More info
Remembering the Carnegie Library
Saturday 18 April 2026
2pm refreshments, 3-4:30pm Reunion
Carnegie Library, 188 Herne Hill Road, SE24 0DG
All welcome!
Brixton Buzz photos archive
- In photos – Carnegie Library Occupation, Thurs 31st March 2016
- Occupation of Lambeth’s Carnegie Library continues into second day
- In photos: Carnegie Library Occupation, Day 3. Campaigners defiant but supplies requested
- Lambeth issues possession order as Carnegie Library campaigners stand firm on Day 5 of their occupation
- Carnegie Library occupation enters Day 6 as campaigners raise questions about the Lambeth/GLL gym connection
- Photos: Carnegie Library campaigners march to Brixton Windrush Square
- See all our articles
