Bestselling novelist Zadie Smith boosted a school’s fundraising campaign for a new library by holding an intimate reading.
Henrietta Barnett School in Central Square, Hampstead Garden Suburb, is hoping to raise tens of thousands of pounds to internally renovate and extend its existing library.
In support of the project, on Thursday former Hampstead School pupil Ms Smith read from an essay she wrote when her local library in Willesden Green was under threat of closure, in which she stressed the importance of being able to physically touch and enjoy books.
About 80 teachers, staff, pupils and families attended the night.
Head of English Eve Meyers-Belkin said: “Zadie was gracious and charming, signing copies of her book and even posing for selfies. This was truly a night to remember.”
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