A historic library is to close for seven months for work to "radically reduce" its carbon emissions.

Camden Council is investing £1.7 million to make Highgate Library, in Chester Road, energy efficient.

Work at the Grade II-listed Edwardian building will involve replacing existing fossil fuel heating with low carbon heating systems.

From January the 116-year-old building will be closed in order to replace the existing boilers with air source heat pumps and upgrade single glazed windows.

There will be upgrades to the ventilation system and draught lobby and the installation of a building energy control system and solar panels on the roof.

Cllr Anna Wright, Highgate's Labour ward councillor, said: "Highgate Library is a listed historic building and the roof was falling in and leaking.

"We've managed to get a fantastic investment to decarbonise, do insulation, ground source heat pumps that sort of thing and while it's closed we'll make sure the library service carries on out of a satellite service. 

"The volunteers are all really delighted about it."

Cllr Sabrina Francis, cabinet member for young people and culture, said the investment in the library demonstrates the council's commitment to its library service, and its "promise" to reach Net Zero emissions in the borough by 2030.

"Camden’s libraries are rightly praised as focal points for our residents across the borough, whether as a place to read, study, join community activities or seek advice," she said.

“To ensure that this project can be undertaken as quickly, safely and efficiently as possible, we have had to make the difficult decision to temporarily provide Highgate Library’s services from a different location in the neighbourhood, alongside the dedicated volunteers who work to help run the library.

“In this way we will be able to ensure that we can reopen the building more energy efficient, cleaner and fit for purpose with the minimum delay.

“We can't wait to launch the new and revitalised library in the summer of 2024 and will advertise some exciting opening celebrations when the work nears completion.”