The Camden Library - Chalk Farm Library
The house of Rizal, 37 Chalcot Crescent, Primrose Hill, Camden, was where we used to have our wreaths hung on the Rizal Day and Birthday.
A lady called Mrs. Myra Schetman, now holder of the Knights of Rizal Recognition Medal, saw us and approached us about using the Chalk Farm Library, which is part of the Camden Library. This was 50 yards from the House. We already had donated a bench in the Chalcot Square Park where Rizal studied. It says “Presented by the Knights of Rizal & Maclariz London Chapter”. Then we needed a home for the Bust of Rizal so we had the Library agree to house it. That room then became the Rizal reading Room.
Then we made a garden in the back of the Library outside, which became the Rizal Memorial Garden and we blended earth from the Philippines with earth from UK to make it a real Philippine garden. This was done by H.E. Ambassador Cesar Bautista and Mayor Bob Hall in January 1999. An unused patio overgrown was rebuilt by the KOR and Maclariz and named the Rizal Memorial garden. This is used in dry weather by patrons and schoolchildren.
Members cleaning the Rizal Garden at Camden Library
At the First European Assembly members came from all over the World to see the Bust of Rizal, the Reading Room, the Memorial Garden, the Rizal Bench and the House of Rizal. President Fidel Ramos KGCR visited the House where the owner Mrs. Judy Rivlin, who also received the Knights of Rizal recognition Award Medal, invited him to tea.
The Camden Library Campaign
The Camden Library Campaign is now finished and we are now working on our own volition to collect books. At present we have sent thirty-five-thousand (35.000) books to schools in the provinces so far.