Our Mission
Tudor Library Friends are dedicated to enhancing the local library experience through community engagement and volunteer efforts. Our mission is to foster a love for reading and learning while bringing people together through events and initiatives.
Our Journey: Celebrating Community and Growth
Since our inception, Tudor Library Friends has been dedicated to enriching our community through various initiatives. Our timeline reflects the milestones that have shaped our journey.
2020
Tudor Library Friends is founded to support local library initiatives and community engagement.
2021
Celebration of 70th Anniversary of Tudor Drive Library. The first community gardening project is launched, bringing residents together to beautify the library grounds.
2022
Installation and official inauguration of Jubilee Bench. Successful fundraising event held, raising funds for new books and resources for the library and garden. Installation of first raised beds.
2023
Events organised: GoWild, Tudor Reminiscence, Silver Saturday, Garden projects: more raised beds, sleeper edging installed, bog garden and wildlife area created
2024
Events organised: GoWild, Richmond Park Ranger talk, Wildlife talk by Denise Parker, Tudor Entertainment Afternoons (TEA) with activities such as Quichong, Mindful Yoga, Felting, and Block Printing. We purchased blinds and replaced the children's chairs
Our Vision
Our vision is to create a thriving hub where community, learning, and nature come together to enrich lives. We aspire to empower individuals of all ages by providing a welcoming space for knowledge-sharing, creative expression, and meaningful connections. Through our events, projects, and gardening initiatives, we envision a sustainable, vibrant community that celebrates the power of collaboration and the importance of local resources. By fostering a sense of belonging and purpose, we aim to inspire positive change that will benefit current and future generations.
The Committee
Meet the passionate individuals behind our community efforts.
Historian, community worker, gardener and reader. Has lived on the Tudor Estate for 30 years and committed to supporting Tudor Drive Library as a vibrant and relevant local community hub.
Wolfgang moved to Tudor Drive in 2005. Having retired from a job in the city in 2019 he now spends his time teaching and writing about quantum computing, reading, running, cycling, or supporting TuLF with its many activities.
Semi-retired Garden Designer, Landscaper and Horticulturalist with a keen interest in making the most of the green spaces surrounding the library and adjacent to Tudor Hall. I’m the TuLF garden project manager, and am proposing to create a community garden called Tudor Mindful Garden. My love of the outdoors extends to Rangering in Richmond Park, and walking the dogs in the lovely surrounding areas.
Maria has called Kingston home for the majority of her adult life, having moved there in 1990. After a successful career in the city and serving as a local councillor for Tudor, she has been actively involved in TuLF for several years. Maria is passionate about the potential of Tudor Drive Library, believing it can flourish into a vibrant central hub for the North Kingston community.
I joined the team in 2023 after responding to a social media post asking for gardening volunteers. I was looking for an opportunity to help in the community and being a keen amateur gardener, I wanted to learn more about horticulture. My hobbies are running, books and music.
Helen has lived on Tudor Drive for 32 years and loves reading. Helen joined TuLF by initially joining the monthly litter pick and then joining the gardening group. She believes the library is vital to community life and is confident that it can become even more vibrant and diverse.
Monica moved to Tudor Drive in 2018 and frequently visits the library with her two children, enjoying the wonderful space dedicated to children's books. She helps design and maintain the TuLF website and is a strong advocate for building community spaces and sustainable living.
Volunteer!
Become part of our team.
Meet Cesar and Alice, the Tudor Drive Library staff
Cesar and Alice are the cornerstones of Tudor Drive Library. As Library Supervisor and Community Support Officer, they form the staff team and provide much-appreciated support to our Friends Group. From design and production of posters for our events, to room bookings, support with refreshments and general liaison, they are an invaluable resource.
The Mayor's Community Award 2024 for outstanding service to the Royal Borough!
Committee Members Jo-Anne Greene and Pam Wright were awarded The Mayor's Community Award 2024 for outstanding service to the Royal Borough. The award recognizes their collective efforts to make the environment around the Tudor Estate a great place to live.
