Welcome to our Loved and Wanted Community Space
The Exchange is a not-for-profit, community-owned arts and crafts space based in Erith’s Old Library in South East London. Founded by local residents, it was created to secure a vibrant, community-focused future for the historic library building, continuing its original purpose as a place for community and individual advancement.
Through its volunteer-led textile and craft production, The Exchange makes items for use in the building, across the wider community, and for sale or commission. All donations and proceeds from our commercial activities - which includes our on-site Garden Room Shop & Coffee Bar - are reinvested into providing high-quality, free-to-access craft skills and creative opportunities for local people.
Come on your own or with friends to volunteer, take part, work, study, meet or simply visit - we would love to welcome you
Our core work centres on three areas: community production workshops, community-led events and programmes, and maintaining an open, accessible building and garden for all. Whether you are planning a great day out or looking for a way to support community-led change, there is a place for you here.
We’re proud to be one of 30 Community Spaces funded by the Mayor of London and The National Lottery Community Fund through the Loved and Wanted programme. Together, we are helping to strengthen communities by bringing people from different backgrounds together, encouraging interfaith cooperation, and creating welcoming places where everyone can access the support they need to connect and feel they belong. Through the programme we can offer free events, classes and activities that are open to everyone in our wonderfully diverse local community.
Find us at:
The Old Library | Walnut Tree Road | Erith DA8 1RA
