A FORMER derelict library which has been converted into a community centre by residents has partly opened to the public for the first time.

The 'Mill' centre, at the site of what was once St James Street Library in Walthamstow, launched a new exhibition on Saturday (August 6) of photographs by pupils at nearby Coppermill Primary school.

It comes ahead of the building's official reopening next month as much renovation work is still to be completed.

The children's photographs, featuring scenes of Walthamstow, were taken under the guidance of local graphic artist Fabian Ho.

In addition to the pupils' work are two other displays, a photo diary of The Mill's renovation by Dave Hall and an exhibition of screen prints and other images produced by adults and children on behalf of Waltham Forest Mencap and arts stuido Inky Cuttlefish.

The Mill will be open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am till 4pm, and beyond those hours for hire and for special events.

Meanwhile work continues on the ground floor, which will be fully opened and launched at a gala evening to coincide with the Arts Trail on Thursday September 8.

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