Share your memories of Canning Town Old Library

Do you remember your first visit to Canning Town Old Library?
Did you attend any of their events or perhaps you discovered a favourite book there?

Newham Heritage Centre, and their team of Community Researchers would love to hear your memories. They are currently gathering stories and experiences to share when the refurbished centre opens next year.

When the library first opened in the 1890s, it was a truly pioneering building. It was one of the first in the borough to be lit by electricity, and its first-ever librarian, Alfred Cotgreave, invented the Cotgreave Indicator - a ground-breaking new system that allowed users to see which books were available without needing to ask staff.

This building managed to survive two World Wars, including the Blitz in the 1940s, during which it was severely damaged.

From brass bands to inspiring talks and community organising, Canning Town Old Library has been at the heart of community life in the area for over a century. The Heritage Centre is working with Community Researchers to uncover the many stories of Canning Town Old Library and they would love to hear from you!

• Did you go there as a child?
• Did you develop a lifelong passion for reading there?
• Did you form lifelong friendships there?

To share a story, please email newham.heritage@newham.gov.uk by 20 October 2025.