Enfield Island Village Library was one of seven in the borough closed this year as part of council cuts but a new venue is now being launched to help replace it

The RSA Island Centre with (inset) Benedict House

A new community centre is being launched in Enfield Island Village as a place for residents to “come together, learn and connect”.

The ‘EIV Hub’ will provide a range of community services from February next year, as well as acting as a ‘click and collect’ base for residents to continue accessing library resources.

Enfield Island Village Library was one of seven to be permanently closed by Enfield Council earlier this year, amid drastic cutbacks to the borough’s libraries service.

EIV Hub will open at Benedict House at The RSA Island Centre, just around the corner from the former library building. It has been set up by a governing board of five local founder trustees to provide a welcoming, accessible and vibrant community space.

The new space has been provided free of charge by Christian Action Housing Association (CAHA), which has long been based at Benedict House.

The RSA Trust has supported the project with a £20,000 grant to fund renovations and assist with set up, resulting in a “welcoming” self-contained facility ready to host the community.

CAHA chief executive Aniekan Umoren said: “CAHA aspires to be a meaningful contributor to the wellbeing of our community, and we have been inspired to work with such wonderful, caring volunteers who care so much about our people.”

CAHA’s maintenance contractor, KBH Haus, has helped to transform the building in time for EIV Hub’s launch, which will take place on Saturday, 14th February.

Enfield Council has also collaborated closely on the project and will be introducing a ‘click and collect’ service, ensuring residents can continue to access library resources and digital services.

Local resident Sugar Ahmed will support the new charity with volunteer trustees to manage the hub. He said: “I am delighted to work with all our partners, funders and local residents to set up, offer library and other community services locally.”

Dr Hani Armstrong, chief executive of The RSA Trust, added: “We are proud to contribute to this wonderful project. The EIV Hub demonstrates our commitment to local residents. The project has been a true collaboration that will create a lasting impact in the community.”

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