London Borough of Croydon

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Central Library

Services

  • books, CDs, DVDs and videos for reference and loan
  • children's library
  • Wordwise collection for children with dyslexia
  • Rhymetimes for babies
  • Wiggle and Jiggle for toddlers
  • Storytime for children 
  • local studies library and archives
  • enquiry service
  • free access to PCs including the internet 
  • café (see Café page for opening hours)
  • public toilets
  • gay and lesbian collection
  • books in community languages
  • newspapers and periodicals
  • community information
  • homework help clubs - see below
  • reading groups - see below.

See the above links for details of what is available on each floor of the complex.

Opening hours

Monday
9am - 7pm
Tuesday
9am - 6pm
Wednesday
9am - 6pm
Thursday
9.30am - 6pm
Friday
9am - 6pm
Saturday
9am - 5pm
Sunday
closed

Children's events

We hold regular children's events during school term times including two free drop-in clubs. The drop-in clubs can be found at:

  • the Children's Library for 9 to 11 year-olds
  • Level 2 for 12 to 16 year-olds.

At our homework help clubs, specially trained helpers offer support with homework assignments. Students benefit from space to study, access to a wide selection of books, word processing and supervised internet access.

Opening hours

  • school term time: Tuesday and Thursday 4 - 6pm, Saturday 2 - 5pm
  • half term and Easter holidays: Monday to Saturday 2 - 5pm
  • summer and Christmas holidays: closed

Careers, training and learning advice sessions

Free drop-in sessions take place on Level 2 on:

  • Tuesday 10.30am -1pm
  • Wednesday 2 - 5pm
  • Thursday 10.30am - 3pm

You can talk one-to-one with a personal adviser who can provide you with information and advice on learning and work options. They can also help you with your CV.

Reading groups

There are two adult reading groups at Central Library. These meet:

  • the second Saturday of the month at 11am - meet at the level 2 enquiry desk
  • the second Wednesday of the month at 6.30pm - meet in the entrance hall of the Clocktower.

Location Map

Central Library

Contact Details

Contact name
Central Library
Telephone
020 8726 6900
Fax
020 8253 1004
Email
libraries@croydon.gov.uk
Address
Croydon Clocktower
Katharine Street
Croydon CR9 1ET

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