The Carnegie Library is one of the few libraries in London to have a dedicated, quiet, and secluded outdoor space to facilitate a peaceful and relaxing reading experience. Join in the lull of the wind in the trees, the birdsong, and the ambience on one of the garden benches, smoke a pipe even, while reading the daily papers.

The Wildlife and Reading Garden's History

In 2007 Lambeth Libraries, in partnership with the Friends of Carnegie Library and Lambeth Parks, were awarded a grant from the Breathing Places Big Lottery Fund to create a ‘Reading Garden’ at Carnegie Library.

This ambitious project, which opened up the currently unused garden at the back of the library for storytelling, reading, and quiet contemplation, was launched on 7 July 2007 by Jeffrey Doorn from the Friends of Carnegie Library. He was joined at the launch by Library Manager, Laura Chrysostomou, Dr Ian Boulton, Lambeth Bio-diversity Officer, and support was given by author and restaurant critic, Jay Rayner.

With the help of volunteers the first phase of the project, to clear the ground and prune back the overgrown shrubs, was successfully completed. Following structural work the garden was opened to the public on 3 May 2008 by the Mayor of Lambeth, one year from the beginning of the project.  The garden holds events, a gardening club for children, and a sensory garden with Braille signing.

• For more information on Green Spaces in Lambeth visit the Parks and green spaces pages.
• For more information on rich wildlife in Lambeth please visit the Wildlife and biodiversity pages.
• You can find some wildlife books in Lambeth Libraries by visiting the Online Library Catalogue.