About Us

Welcome to Blackfen Community Library—the vibrant, friendly heart of our neighbourhood. We like to think of ourselves as a “community living room”; a place where everyone belongs and something is always happening. Managed by the New Generation Community Trust in partnership with Bexley Council, we’ve transformed the traditional library into a bustling community hub where connection is just as important as the books on our shelves.

There is a seat for everyone here. You might visit us for a read, but you’ll stay for the buzz of Rooted Coffee House, that sits at the very centre of our space. From our lively pre-school sessions for young families to our Digital Support Buddies and our many support groups, we provide a holistic space where you can find practical help, a listening ear, or just a friendly face over a great cup of coffee.

We are a truly “people-powered” hub, supported by an incredible team of volunteers who are passionate about our community. Because we are funded through a mix of café income, grants, and donations, every visit you make helps keep this vital community resource thriving. Whether you are a lifelong local or just passing through, pop in and see why we are more than just a library—we’re the place where our community comes together.

Our offer:

• A World of Discovery – Library membership for adults, teens, and children with access to thousands of books and resources.

• Rooted Coffee House – Our friendly coffee house—the perfect spot for a Barista coffee, lunch and a chat.

• Spaces to Connect & Work – From study areas or workspaces to affordable Meeting Room and Venue Hire for parties.

• A Hub for Local Partners – A welcoming home base for local charities, community groups, and organisations to meet and collaborate.

• Digital Access & Support – Free high-speed WiFi and public computers, plus full printing, photocopying, scanning facilities and regular digital support.

• Events & Activities – A full calendar of weekly groups and family activities, plus seasonal events for all ages.

• People-Powered Opportunities – Meaningful volunteer roles that allow you to give back, learn new skills, and support your local community.

The New Generation Community Trust was established in 2015 with a clear mission: to open and manage Blackfen Community Library and Rooted Coffee House, quickly establishing a Community Hub. We aren’t a distant organisation; we are governed by a dedicated team of Trustees who live right here in the local area. This ensures that every decision we make is rooted in what’s best for our neighborhood.

Our operations are led by a small, staff team with decades of experience in running community projects. However, the true heartbeat is our “volunteer-powered” approach. We rely on an amazing team of committed and skilled volunteers who help deliver our daily services, from the coffee house team to our specialised support.

At our core, we have a deep passion to see the local community flourish. We believe every person has incredible potential, and we exist to provide the space, resources, and encouragement needed to help people reach it. We are proud to be a locally-led charity that is as professional as it is warm.

We believe that we achieve more when we work together. That is why we actively partner with over 40 local organisations and charities to deliver our diverse range of groups and activities. These connections allow us to share resources and better serve our community.

Our reach is strengthened by our links with healthcare and education. We work alongside local GPs and Social Prescribers who refer people to our services, as well as maintaining regular contact with all our local primary and secondary schools. These partnerships ensure that we aren’t just a building on a map, but a vital part of the local support network.

To keep our doors open and our services free or affordable, we use a resilient funding model. We blend project-specific grants and community donations with the “earned income” from our Rooted Coffee House and other fundraising events. This financial diversity, overseen by the Charity Commission and Companies House, ensures we remain transparent, sustainable, and ready to support the community for years to come.