As The Last Word celebrates its first anniversary as a community hub, we’re looking back at a year that has redefined what it means to be a space for the community.

What is The Last Word?

Last December we transformed The Last Word from a café into a community hub. When we opened our doors we had a vision: to create more than just a gathering space. We wanted to build a bridge between our vast collection and the rich, diverse stories of our local community in Camden and Somers Town. Yes, visitors still occasionally mistake us for a café – but these days, they're more likely to stay for shared stories than a flat white!

Connecting through stories

Throughout the year, The Last Word has become a space for community creativity and connection. Every Thursday morning, it transforms into a magical realm as Kindle Corner fills it with butterfly costumes, bubbles and storytelling for our youngest visitors. Tuesday evenings see neighbours becoming friends over shared meals at Think & Do's Sharing Spaces, while C4WS's monthly Sunday Film Club has turned strangers into cinema buddies.

Collaborating with partners

But our work goes beyond hosting events – we're creating a living archive of community stories that complement the Library's collection. Age UK Camden made themselves at home for their monthly book club, engaging in lively conversation over unique and exciting titles. And our collaboration with Hopscotch Women’s Centre led to Our Unheard Journey, a display created in partnership with migrant women from Afghanistan, as part of Refugee Week. We've become a space where local organisations can showcase their work, where neighbours can launch their own projects, and where everyone's story is heard.

Looking to the future

What makes The Last Word special isn't just the activities we host or the resources we share – it's the way our community has embraced this space as their own. Whether you're exploring our archives, participating in a workshop, or simply stopping by for a chat, you're adding your chapter to our collective story.

As we blow out our first birthday candle, we're reminded that The Last Word is more than a community hub – it's a testament to the power of creating spaces where stories can be shared, connections can be forged, and community can thrive. Here's to many more years of weaving stories together!

If you’re local pop in to The Last Word and see how you can get involved. Or contact us at [email protected] – we’d love to hear from you.