About the library
Swiss Cottage Library is open for customers to browse and choose their own books, visit our children's library, and use our public computers and study spaces.
Customers don’t need to book computers in advance: computers are allocated on a first come, first served basis. Access is limited to four hours per day. You can also scan, print and photocopy documents. View the Acceptable Use of Public Computers policy (PDF) and our Acceptable use of Wifi policy (PDF).
You can return any library items you have borrowed within the opening hours.
We also offer a range of activities for our library users, see: What's on this month.
The library has a number of measures in place to keep customers and staff safe.
Our services may change at short notice. For the latest information, see Library news.
Address
Swiss Cottage Library
88 Avenue Road
NW3 3HA
Opening times
Monday to Thursday: 10am to 8pm
Friday to Saturday: 10am to 5pm
Sunday: closed
See the Library opening times around public holidays.
Services
- Access to PCs, photocopying and printing
- Browsing and choosing books in adult and children's libraries
- Study space
Displaying posters and flyers
The library displays posters to promote local events and services. Our Community Information Policy outlines the criteria used when deciding whether to display a particular poster.
Contact
For library enquiries call 020 7974 4444 or email libraries@camden.gov.uk.
Do you have an idea for an activity or event?
We would like to hear from you if you have an idea for an activity or event that you could help organise. We will welcome your idea and discuss this with you to see if it's something we can support you to deliver in the library space. There is also Camden Giving if you think your idea needs some resources.
Swiss at Sixty
Swiss Cottage Library is sixty at the end of November and we want to celebrate. One way we want to do this is to refresh the children’s library. We have started to put some ideas together and would love to hear your feedback. The ideas can be seen at Swiss Cottage Library where they are displayed near the children’s library. You can also take a look at the ideas for the library online.
Accessible toilet for Swiss Cottage Libraries
We are installing a Changing Places toilet at Swiss Cottage Library. These facilities provide sanitary accommodation for people with multiple and complex disabilities who have one or two assistants with them which will make the library a more inclusive space.
The installation at Swiss Cottage Library will start on Tuesday 3 September, with most of the work to be completed by 15 October and the Changing Places toilet should be ready to use after 29 October. The work at Swiss Cottage Library will not impact the use of public toilets.
Temporary closure of Swiss Cottage children’s library
We have been talking with residents about the redesign of the Children’s Library at Swiss Cottage Library to help us celebrate the sixtieth year of the library. We are now almost ready to start this exciting work.
The Children’s Library will close from 4 November until February 2025 so this project can take place.
We will continue to have a children’s offer at the library during this period:
- We will have a selection of children’s stock near the main library enquiry desk in the blue area on the first floor
- Rhyme times for under 5s will continue on Tuesdays and Fridays at 10.30am and will take place on the first floor in the Fiction 1 area on the red carpet
- LEGO sessions and all other children’s activities will continue in the glass room in the entrance area.
Thank you for your patience during this period.