New Cross Learning (formerly known as the New Cross People’s Library) is a community-run space offering a library service and a bookshop as well as a wide range of learning activities, supported by registered charity Bold Vision. Among our major donors is the New Cross Gate Trust. NXL is wholly volunteer-run.

What do we do?

New Cross Learning provides free computer/internet use, Wifi, newspapers and magazines. NXL has desk spaces to work, and we also run learning activities and workshops, including writing and knitting workshops. We also run a lending library of over 5,000 books (supported by Lewisham Council).

This year sees the return of evening film showings now that we have a volunteer ready to programme and circulate the events. Spoken word and writers’ groups are using NXL as a venue. NXL is becoming a venue that puts community learning and sharing on the map.

You can read our policies on health and safety, volunteer use etc on the Volunteer section of the website.

What can you do to help out?

Use the library and tell us what you think in the comments book, you can donate books, volunteer to work in the library, put on a workshop or event, or get involved in fundraising!

Find out more

Watch this 15 minute documentary film to find out more about how NXL has evolved as an organisation:  Learning New Cross

Listen to this podcast to hear more about what happens at NXL and what the service means to its users and volunteers.

Listen to more NXL stories on our Audioboo channel

Our History

NXL has been involved in local community activities for several years, including Chinese New Year, Party In The Park and the Big Book Sale! We run regular book sales, CV writing clinics, IT training, computer and internet access and talks and workshops on a wide range of subjects. Due to COVID these activities are currently suspended but we will be reviewing this in the new year. Please see

our events page for more details.