Solitude is a virtue depleting from our society. It is depressingly easy for us to distract our ape-like brains with the internet, fast food, pub and clubs. Libraries have always been sanctitude—the mild hum elderly librarians restocking literate from some of the most illustrious writers and others… not so, allows one to ponder the mysteries of this universe, like why are Freddo chocolate bars 40p?. Here is a ranking of the best libraries in Harrow.
1) Greenhill Library: Nestled in the heart of Harrow Town Centre, only 200 meters from Harrow on the hill train station. Greenhill Library, built in 2020, replaced the nearby Gayton Library. Greenhill has sections for adults, young adults and children. It is a spacious, clean and friendly environment—an imposing building, especially the timber children’s reading den. Greenhill is open seven days a week, even on Sunday.
2) Stanmore Library: In April 2016, Stanmore Library reopened after refurbishment. It is a drastic change from its previous look. It is now a vibrant and open space, welcoming to everyone. The nearest station is Stanmore, but it has bus links from Watford and Edgware. Stanmore Library has many different activities and various great authors and subjects to read. Stanmore is open five days a week. It is closed on Monday and Sunday.
3) Pinner Library: Pinner Library is a small but accommodating library with abundant fiction and non-fiction sections. It resides in an affluent part of the Harrow borough. It has a friendly atmosphere and the necessary facilities to sit down and read or merely to recompose yourself after stressful days. Pinner library is open six days a week. It is closed on Monday.
4) Wealdstone Library: Even though it’s named ‘The Wealdstone Centre’, it is indeed a library. The Wealdstone Centre is instrumental to the local community. It has projects to help young people and offers a safe and friendly learning environment. It has a cafe attached to the building; if one feels like a warm beverage after or during a good read. The Wealdstone Centre is closed on Monday and Sunday.
5) Kenton Library: This is a grade 2 listed building. Designed by the MCC architects Curtis and Burchett and built in 1939, it is considered one of the surviving examples of library architecture in London during the second world war. Kenton is quiet and has sufficient study space. Like all libraries in Harrow, they have a tapestry of great books to read. It is closed on Monday and Wednesday.
