“The Page to Pavement project and exhibitions have attracted so many people into the library,” said Jack Perridge, Librarian at Walthamstow Central Library.

He was standing beside the incredible ship that had “sailed” – with the help of local muscle – up Walthamstow High Street, to dock in the foyer of the library. A reconstruction of the fantastical boat in Benji Davies Grandad’s Island, and inspiration for a visionary project by Artillery.

It was part of the project that ran in the latter stages of the London Borough of Waltham Forest’s London Borough of Culture year-long celebrations, sponsored by BDS. Libraries across the borough were filled with sculptures, images, stories and events that presented the work of local people from diverse backgrounds, all with amazing stories to tell.

Hale End Library Went Bird Crazy

In Leyton Library, people were asked to offer images or stories about far-away places that relate to their families or their own past.

Chingford Library Explored Immigration

Artist Kirsten Schmidt, who is based in Waltham Forest, worked with local people to create a single artwork via a project called “The Ancestors” that explored the themes of immigration and integration.

As the year of culture, celebrating Waltham Forest’s ethnic and cultural diversity, came to an end, Leader of Waltham Forest Council, Clare Coghill, said: “I’d like to say a great big thank you to everyone who helped make our year such a huge success. I’m delighted to say we reached our target of 85 percent of residents joining in the thousands of events throughout the 12 months.”

Her words were accompanied by a promise to spend an extra £3.3 million on libraries in the borough.

“I’m delighted the Waltham Forest Council is investing so much in our libraries,” said Councillor Paul Douglas, Cabinet Member for Culture in the Council. “We know our residents value these vital community hubs around the borough.”