Hackney Council and BEMA announce new name for Dalston Library

The new name of the brand new £4.4million library and archives in Dalston as Dalston C.L.R James Library.

After much speculation, in a joint statement today, Hackney Council and the Black & Ethnic Minority Arts Network (BEMA) announced the name after discussions and further consultation with Hackney’s Library Users’ Consultative Forum and the Friends of Hackney Archives.

The library will open in Spring 2011.

The new archives service, which will also be located in the building, will be called Hackney Archives.

 

Councillor Jonathan McShane, Cabinet Member for Community Services, said: “I’m delighted to announce that the new library and archives will be called Dalston C.L.R James Library and Hackney Archives. This will ensure current and future generations can continue to learn about this fascinating and influential figure, who not only has local appeal, but also massive global appeal.

 

“I look forward to continued partnership working between the Council, BEMA and our user groups.”

 

Ngoma Bishop, Chair of BEMA, said: “With this outcome much confidence has been restored in Hackney Council, who having listened to the voice of the thousands of people locally, nationally and throughout the world, agreed to the campaign’s demand.

 

“BEMA would like to thank all those who showed their support and determination.”

 

The new library will include a permanent exhibition chronicling the life and works of C.L.R James. An annual event in his memory will also be held. The Council and BEMA will work together to develop these ideas.

 

Dalston C.L.R James Library and Hackney Archives will be a brand newly built facility and not located on the same site as the current C.L.R James Library.