The Library Lab in Willesden Green Library held a day of activities and workshops for people to celebrate the venue becoming a part of the community.

The lab was set up as part of the New Windows on Willesden Green project, which helped strengthen the High Street by bringing in businesses to empty shops in Queen’s Parade. The venue has hosted business meetings, a free creche during the week, language exchanges and community meetings, as well as various workshops over the last year.

It was to last eight weeks, as a ‘pop-up’ in a temporary space, but was so popular it is still open a year later.

To celebrate, there were lunches, themed cupcakes, a photo booth, activities, workshops and live music.

Joanna Steele, who runs Brent Artists Resource and works with the Library Lab, said: “It has evolved so quickly, because of the contribution from local people, and demonstrates what a huge impact a very grassroots project can have.

“The space is one of the first of its kind and hopefully a model that can be used across the city. It has been a fantastic year, and clear reflection of how much the residents have to offer and gain from such a project as the Library Lab.”

About 60 people attended during the day, including newcomers, workshop hosts and members of Brent Council, which has supported the project for just over a year.