Hackney Council responds to CLR James Library Petition

Hackney Council has responded to the news that Dalston's CLR James Library will be renamed.

Dalston People reported on a petition that began online to to retain the name 'C.L.R. James Library' for the new library in Dalston Square.

The library will be part of the new Dalston Square Development.

Organisers of the online petition said: "This issue should be of concern not only to Hackney based writers and readers from the African Caribbean community but to all those who want to see the cultural diversity of Dalston and the rest of the borough retained. It is of vital importance that you show your support to this initiative by signing the petition 'Save CLR James Library'."

However, the Council has stated that the library and archive in Dalston will be a brand new £4.4 million facility, not located on the same site as the current CLR James library, bringing together a new library with the borough’s archive and local history service.   It is not a refurbishment or rebuild of the current library.

A spokesman for Hackney Council said: "The Council is very keen to ensure that the heritage of the old CLR James library is preserved, which is why it is proposed that a room in the new building will be named after Mr James.  In addition to that, there will be a permanent exhibition in the building about the life and work of CLR James and an annual event to celebrate his achievements.  

"We feel that this will do far more to commemorate his life and to educate future generations than what is at the current site."

The original library on Dalston Lane was named after Cyril Lionel Robert James (4 January 1901 – 19 May 1989) was an Afro-Trinidadian historian, journalist, socialist theorist and essayist.

The Hackney Council spokesman added: "The Council has apologised personally to his widow, Selma James, for failing to consult with her on these proposals and we hope to work with her to ensure CLR James continues to be remembered and honoured."