Tea dance to celebrate new library hall

Tea dancers put their best feet forward to celebrate the £160,000 transformation of Finsbury Library's Hall into a modern space for Islington's residents.

The hall had fallen into disrepair and was closed to the public, but has now been given a fresh lease of life thanks to funding from EC1 New Deal for Communities.
To mark the reopening, Islington Council, which runs the library, invited more 150 guests, including the Mayor of Islington for a special tea dance on Friday November 14.

Money was spent on refurbishing the hall including full internal repairs, redecoration, and improvements to the stage area, changing rooms, toilets and kitchen. A stair lift was also installed.

Matthew Humphreys, chair of EC1 New Deal for Communities said: “This is a great facility for everyone in the area. It’s a bright and modern space for meetings, exhibitions and parties. I encourage residents and community groups to consider it as a venue for their next function.”

Cllr Ruth Polling, Islington Council's Executive Member of Leisure and Equalities, said: "I'm delighted this important space has been brought into use for residents.
"Finsbury Library already offers an excellent service to local people, and now it's got yet another string to its bow."

EC1 New Deal for Communities spent £156,275 on renovation work at the hall and £4,000 on the installation of wi-fi.

If you'd like to book Finsbury Library Hall for a party or event, please call the library on 020 7527 7960.