In September 2023, we started a review of our library service after residents and staff told us that the current model was not working. Budget cuts over £800k between 2019 and 2022 resulted in a significant reduction in opening hours meaning some libraries were only open 2 days a week and less than 10% of residents were actively using them.
Following extensive research and engagement with our residents, we proposed a new model for the service which was agreed at Cabinet on 25 September 2024. You can watch the meeting via webcasting.croydon.gov.uk.
Our new library service will see nine libraries open a minimum of 5 days a week, including Saturdays, with more events and activities, and more staff to provide a new outreach service.
The new model also includes the withdrawal of library services from 4 buildings, Bradmore Green, Broad Green, Sanderstead and Shirley, in order to re-invest into the library service. We are now actively seeking community partners or residents that want to take on our library buildings in Bradmore Green, Broad Green, Shirley, Sanderstead and run them as ‘Community Bases’. The Mayor is committed to retaining these buildings as community assets for local people in their neighbourhoods.
Read more information on the proposals and decisions.
What happens next:
From these dates, the following will close as library buildings:
- Bradmore Green: Friday 8 November, 6pm
- Broad Green: Thursday 7 November, 6pm
- Sanderstead: Friday 8 November, 6pm
- Shirley: Friday 8 November, 6pm
We are starting to contact residents impacted by library services being withdrawn from these four buildings to talk to them about transferring their accounts to their next nearest library, and details on alternative local venues for books and activities, the home library service, digital collections and details of the weekly accessible bus shuttle service from the closed libraries to the next nearest library.
We are also working with local groups which meet in the libraries to support them to continue activities in another venue.
Free bus service from 11 November 2024
Mondays
Bradmore Green: Departing from Bradmore Way, outside the library building, at 10.30am
Return journey departing from Coulsdon Library at 12.00pm
Wednesdays
Broad Green: Departing from Canterbury Road, outside the library building, at 10.30am
Return journey departing from Thornton Heath Library at 12.00pm
Sanderstead: Departing from Sanderstead Hill, outside the library building, at 10.00am
Return journey departing from Selsdon Library at 11.30am
Thursdays
Shirley: Departing from Wickham Road/Hartland Way, outside the library building, at 10.30am
Return journey departing from Ashburton Library at 12.00pm
Our new model for Croydon’s library service
We are now progressing plans for our new model with changes happening in a phased approach.
Outreach service
The first phase will focus on the four areas where libraries are closing, working with local partners and venues suggested during the consultation.
Library service outreach
In November and December we will be co-hosting library events in community venues with local partners. Everyone is welcome to drop in:
- for demonstrations of the library digital offer
- to chat with staff about library services and activities
- to join the library
- to return and reserve books
Join us on the following dates and times:
- Wednesday 13 November: 10am to 12pm
Toddler Rhymetime: 9.30 to 10.45am
Venue: West Wickham and Shirley Baptist Church, Wickham Rd, Croydon, CR0 8EH - Thursday 14 November: 10am to 12pm
Storytime for childten under 5: 11am
Venue: Tollers Community Centre, 51 Goodenough Way, Coulsdon, CR5 1BT - Friday 15 November: 10am to 12pm
Storytime for children under 5: 11am
Venue: Sanderstead Untied Reformed Church, 3 Sanderstead Hill, South Croydon, CR2 0HB
The full outreach schedule is expected to be launched in April 2025.
Longer opening hours
From January 2025, opening hours will increase:
- 6 libraries will open on more days every week
- Coulsdon library will be open 2 additional days a week
- Ashburton, New Addington, South Norwood, Purley, and Selsdon libraries will all open 1 extra day a week.
From April 2025, all 9 libraries will be open 5 days a week, including Saturdays, with Croydon Central Library open six days a week.
Further details will be updated on these pages as we work towards implementing the new library service model.
Community Bases
We are now looking for community partners or residents interested in taking on the library buildings to operate them as community bases.
Community partners interested in taking on the four buildings that library services are being withdrawn from are invited to get in touch to find out more about the buildings.
Anyone interested is invited to join one of the upcoming viewing sessions to look around the buildings. More detail is available in the new library service model webpage or you can contact the team by email: communityrelations@croydon.gov.uk.