Library as Memorial (2020-2021) is a commission for Kilburn Library, part of Brent 2020 Borough of Culture programme. It takes the form of a book dedication, in which books themselves become a way to mark and remember. People who have lost a friend, lover family member, acquaintance or role model to Covid-19 can dedicate a book in person at Kilburn Library or remotely via an online form.

The London Borough of Brent was the worst hit area in the UK, with the highest overall Covid-19 mortality rate during the height of the pandemic. A bookplate has been placed in 491 books, to represent one for every victim of Coronavirus in the borough up to September 2020. Books have been carefully selected from across the borough’s libraries, and will later be redistributed across Brent, and loaned across London as part of the London Library Consortium.

The commission grew out of a series of creative workshops with young people from Brent Youth Parliament, exploring their experiences of lockdown and hopes for the world as it reopens.

Commissioned by Brent 2020 / Brent Biennial
Graphic design: Europa
Photos 1, 4, 6, 7: Thierry Bal
Photos 2, 3, 5: Hydar Dewachi