Preston Community Library has finally opened its doors after a three-and-a-half year hiatus thanks to local volunteers.

Last week, campaigners celebrated the latest chapter in the saga to reopen the local library after it was closed by Brent Council three-and-a-half years ago.

Volunteers opened the doors of Preston Community Library in the former Preston Library building, on Carlton Avenue East, in the north of the borough.

The library offers a wide range of books, creative writing, newspapers, magazines and English classes.

Samantha Warrington, trustee of Preston Community Library, said : “After three-and-a-half long years without a library, we are thrilled to be able to offer books and so much more to the local community.

“In addition to our books and reading space, we will this week start to offer yoga classes and will soon be screening films as a community cinema.”

“We want to open the building as much as we can to offer a diverse range of activities for all sections of the community. And we need more people to volunteer to help.”

The reopening of the library coincided with World Book Night, on April 23. Volunteers performed various Shakespeare plays to commemorate his birth and death as well as giving away hundreds of children's books along with copies of World Book Night's chosen book, Skellig by David Almond.

Organiser of the event, Geraldine Cooke said: “It was fabulous to have this opportunity to spread the love of reading and in particular to share this modern classic and thrilling children's novel.”

“Children's literature of this quality cuts through and differences to touch the heart.”