Who are we?

Corbett Community Library is a thriving, volunteer-led hub at the heart of the Corbett Estate. We are more than just a library. We are a community centre, a gathering place, a resource for learning and support, and a symbol of what local people can build together.

Our Story

Corbett Community Library began as a response to a very real threat: in 2016, Lewisham Council announced it could no longer keep Torridon Road Library open due to budget cuts. In that moment, two local groups, The Archibald Corbett Society and the Corbett Residents’ Association, came together with a bold vision: to save the library and reimagine it as a community-run space.

By October 2016, after forming a charity and a company limited by guarantee, the doors reopened, now as a community library, arts and heritage centre. For nearly three years, everything was run by volunteers; then in 2019, lottery funding allowed us to hire two development managers, helping us to professionalise day-to-day operations and build a sustainable future.

At our core is the belief that community involvement is essential: many of our volunteers serve on the board, and many of our board members are local residents.

Historic brick and stone public library building with ornate tower and dome against clear blue sky
Historic Corbett Community Library building with red brick facade, ornate stone entrance, and coffee shop signage outside
Rainbow over historic red brick church with dome tower on wet street after rain in British town
Historic public library building with ornate stone tower, brick facade, and classical architectural details against blue sky.
Historic public library entrance with ornate stone columns, arched doorway, and decorative architecture from 1907.
Corbett Community Library historic red brick building with ornate dome and stone facade under blue sky

What Drives Us

We are a registered charity committed to being a welcoming, accessible, and resilient community resource. Over 5,500 people visit each month, and we offer a mix of services that go beyond borrowing books.

Here is a snapshot of what we do:

  • Provide free public access to computers, Wi-Fi, and online support.
  • Offer technical help from filling in housing benefit forms to applying for Blue Badges or Universal Credit.
  • A small shop for second-hand books, and pay-to-use printing. 
  • Host regular community activities such as ESOL classes, children’s storytime and singing groups, homework club, Knit ’n’ Knatter, book club, mindful sessions, and gentle yoga.
  • Organise arts, music, and community events including concerts, talks, craft fairs, and exhibitions.

We are deeply grateful to Lewisham Council for continuing to supply our library stock and maintain the library systems that allow us to operate as part of the wider Libraries Consortium.

Our funding comes from donations, room hires, second-hand book sales, and our print services. This helps us remain independent and community-focused.

Our People

The strength of Corbett Community Library comes from the dedication, passion, and diversity of the people who make it happen. From staff to volunteers to trustees, every individual contributes to creating a welcoming, vibrant, and inclusive space.

Professional headshot of smiling blonde woman in business attire against neutral background

Rachel Braithwate
Centre Manager

Rachel leads the team and oversees the day-to-day running of the library, ensuring it remains a welcoming and inclusive space for everyone. She supports staff and volunteers, develops engaging programs, builds strong community partnerships, and organises fundraising events to generate essential income and keep the library thriving.

Woman with brown hair and red highlights wearing tortoiseshell glasses smiling at camera in professional headshot

Ruth Collard‑Stayte
Centre Assistant

Ruth is a qualified librarian who provides essential support to daily library operations. She assists with library services, events, and volunteer coordination, and is a friendly first point of contact who helps foster a welcoming community atmosphere for all visitors.

Volunteers

Volunteers are the heartbeat of Corbett Community Library. They support every aspect of our work, from customer service to assisting visitors with IT and online services to leading educational and recreational programs. Volunteers host children’s storytime sessions, help residents fill in official forms, and run craft, literacy, and wellbeing activities. They also contribute to fundraising initiatives, manage book sales, and help maintain the library as a safe and welcoming space.

By sharing their time, skills, and energy, our volunteers enable us to provide a wide range of services that would not be possible otherwise. Their dedication ensures that the library remains accessible, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of the community.

By sharing their time, skills, and energy, our volunteers enable us to provide a wide range of services that would not be possible otherwise. Their dedication ensures that the library remains accessible, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of the community.

Large diverse group of people waving and smiling together at holiday celebration in community center with decorations

Board and Trustees

Our board provides governance, strategic guidance, and financial oversight. Trustees bring diverse professional skills and community experience, ensuring that the library operates responsibly and sustainably. They guide long-term planning, help secure funding, and ensure the library continues to serve the Corbett Estate effectively.

Together, our staff, volunteers, and trustees form a collaborative team committed to creating a space where everyone feels supported, empowered, and part of the community.

Jacqueline Berry – Secretary
Jane Gillis – Treasurer
Patricia Merry – Chair
Lynda Miller – Deputy Chair
Helen Marcelle – Trustee
Jennifer Owens – Trustee
Julia Burke – Trustee
Ben Honeybone – Trustee
Paul Cooke – Trustee
Cheryl Johnson – Trustee

We're hiring for a new secretary

We are seeking a new Company Secretary to join our board of Trustees to ensure the smooth and efficient running of meetings of the trustee board and any sub-committees, providing assistance and support to the chair of the board of trustees.

This is a voluntary position with no remuneration, although reasonable expenses may be claimed.

Location: Remote working except for four annual board meetings which are held in Torridon Road Library, Catford SE6 1RQ

Time commitment: Attendance at four board meetings a year (duration two hours each) plus other responsibilities listed below. Estimated commitment less than five hours per month.

What will you be doing?

This is an important role as our board has limited Co Sec experience and we need an experienced expert to help us meet all of our legal obligations. The main tasks required of this role are:

  • To ensure the smooth and efficient running of our quarterly board meetings and that they are carried out in line with our governing documents.
  • To create accurate minutes of board meetings, recording all decisions and actions.
  • To ensure that the charity complies with all regulatory and legal requirements and all our actions are in line with our governing documents.
  • To ensure the charity complies with all reporting requirements.
  • To serve as the main point of contact for the Charity Commission and Companies House, including updating charity and trustee details and submitting annual return.

full role description and application details

Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 30th September 2024