South Chingford Community Library, which has served residents since 2012, faced relocation after the owner of its current building announced plans to redevelop the site for commercial use and raise the rent.
Trustees have now reached an agreement with Waltham Forest Council to relocate to a nearby council-owned building in Old Church Road.
Richard Aspen, chairman of the board of trustees at South Chingford Community Library, said: “We’ve been in this location now since 2012.
“We’ve gradually built things up over here.
“But now this building is going to be redeveloped so we have to move elsewhere.
“We’re delighted that the council found us a new place to go to up in Old Church Road – the building with a mural on the side.
“It’s an exciting opportunity for us because we’re going to be able to design our own library exactly as we’d like to do it.”
The library, volunteer-run, offers not only book lending but also toddlers’ rhyme time, a poetry reading group and employment advice.
The council has supported the library’s move with designs for the new space and by offering expert advice through its property team.
Its social value team has also worked with local developers to support the fit-out of the new building.
Councillor Ros Dore, cabinet member for culture, libraries, sport and leisure, said: “This volunteer-run community library is an amazing resource in South Chingford.
“By next summer, we’ll be in our new home just up the road, but will still be very much part of the South Chingford community.”
The library has been officially designated as a voluntary and community sector organisation, which the council said qualifies it for a significant rent reduction in the new space.
