Cutting the ribbon: head of libraries and archives Leanne Bellot and council cabinet member for climate, ecology, culture, and air quality Ryan Jude

A BUILDING once the home to arguably the greatest scientist of all time is now the centre of a creative renaissance.

The Grade II-listed Westminster Reference Library, where Sir Isaac Newton lived, has reopened as the West End Arts Library.

The specialist archive of art, music and performance was reported to be at risk of closure in 2022. City council officers had considered it was “not cost effective” to continue to run both Charing Cross Library and Westminster Reference Library.

This week Cllr Ryan Jude said: “The West End Arts Library is a wonderful addition to the vibrant arts and cultural scene of the West End. Whether you are looking for rare resources or attending one of the free classical music concerts, there is something for everyone to discover in this library.

“By creating welcoming public spaces and providing free events, the council is committed to improving access to culture for our residents so that everyone can share in the rich cultural heritage of the city.”

City councillors, staff and supporters at the library in Saint Martin’s Street

He added: “The reopening of the library is a powerful step in that direction and I look forward to seeing it grow into a cultural landmark in the heart of the West End.”

The library is the West End’s only arts library and also houses Westminster Music Library, a treasure trove offering extensive loan collections of books, scores, performance parts, and sheet music.

In the wider library visitors will find curated collections in art and design and the performing arts providing valuable res-ources for everyone from thespians and musicians to town planners and interior designers.

A collection of periodicals includes significant runs of Apollo, British Vogue, Tatler and Studio.

A “delighted” Emma De Souza, director of Society of London Theatre & UK Theatre welcomed the relaunch of the library as “a vibrant hub for creativity and learning”, and said: “As proud neighbours of the library at our Official London Theatre ticket booth in Leicester Square, and partners with the council on West End Live, we share a commitment to celebrating and sustaining the West End’s rich culture.”

A multi-purpose exhibition space will host events year-round, including free classical music concerts every week.

The library is opening with an exhibition from the Professional Cartoonists Organisation and an interactive workshop on Afrobeats/Ndombolo organised by CheriCoco.