Announcing our latest Happiness Fund Winners – New Cross Learning
When the local community library in New Cross was on the brink of closure in 2011, a dedicated group of volunteers stepped in to fight for its survival. Now, thanks to their hard work, campaigning, and fundraising, New Cross Learning is a thriving hub that serves not just as a lending library but also as a lifeline to the neighbourhood.
It provides various services, including job searching support, form-filling help, social events and a warm bank. It also boasts one of the most interesting toilets in the country. They’ve even got a certificate to prove it!
The library was one of seven in the borough of Lewisham threatened with closure due to council budget cuts. As the area's poorest neighbourhood, losing this community asset would have been devastating. Determined to keep the library open, campaigners, with help from students and residents, managed to persuade the council to give them a temporary six-week lease.
“It was during a time when the Summer Reading Challenge was due to take place,” says Kathy Dunbar, one of the campaigners. “We are one of the most deprived parts of town, and the children would have suffered, so we persuaded the council to let us open for six weeks and kept jumping hurdles to prove ourselves.”
At its core, the New Cross Learning is a full library service that provides books to the local community. But it’s so much more.
Since the successful campaign to save it, the library has transformed from a neglected space into a bustling, multi-purpose facility hosting creative and educational services and clubs like crochet club and baby bounce sessions. Two local primary schools use the library because their buildings don’t have one.
“And every Thursday, we welcome 60 children from one school, every single week without fail. That’s how essential this place is,” adds Kathy.
Fellow volunteer and campaigner Gill Hart agrees.
“It’s not just about books. We’re a frontline service and a lifeline for people who need help filling out forms or accessing benefits. Many of our visitors don’t have internet at home, so we’re their first point of contact for everything from applying for a blue badge to getting a free bus pass.”
Heroes like these deserve happiness, which is why we are delighted to introduce New Cross Learning as the recipient of the latest Happiness Fund Award, which is set to provide the library with much-needed resources to continue growing.
The fund will be used to renovate the downstairs area, improve the electrics and add another toilet to the award-winning one. The extra space will allow more local groups and services to use the space. A stairlift will be installed to ensure accessibility for all, and new décor will make the space more welcoming and functional.
“We’re so grateful for the Happiness Fund,” says Kathy. “Without this type of support, we wouldn’t be able to move forward.”
As for the toilet plaudit, the library became a vital part of the Lewisham public toilet system, offering clean and safe facilities to residents in need. When one history buff who used the library printed out pages of historical details about the area, volunteers decided to laminate them and decorate the W.C. with them, which led to the library being crowned the "most interesting toilet" in recognition of its role in the community.
“We’ve had some incredible donations,” says Kathy. “One woman, who ran a laundrette nearby left us £1,000 when she passed away. She knew how much we helped the local community, and it was such a gift.”
Thanks to the support of the Happiness Fund, the library will continue to offer critical services and expand its reach.
As it continues to grow and evolve, it will remain an essential community asset—a place where people can find connection, support, and opportunity.
