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A library service review on our current library services model.
In September 2023, we started a review of our library service after residents and staff told us that our current model was not working. Budget cuts over £800k between 2019 and 2022 resulted in a significant reduction in library 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. There will be more events and activities, and more staff to provide a new outreach service.
Our new approach also includes the closure of library services from 4 locations. The buildings affected are:
These savings will be re-invest into the library service.
We are now actively seeking community partners or residents that want to take on our 4 former library buildings 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.
The new library service model is being delivered in a phased approach with new services and opening hours being introduced between November 2024 and April 2025.
Bradmore Green, Broad Green, Sanderstead and Shirley Libraries are now closed. Regular activities at these libraries have been moved to different locations. For more information contact libraries@croydon.gov.uk.
Residents and visitors can access the library services in the following ways:
Find out more about our libraries and when they are open.
Search the online library catalogue and access 24/7 online services, audio and e-books, digital magazines and comics, digital newspapers, computer and internet guides, and free online courses.
The library service are co-hosting library events in community venues with local partners. Everyone is welcome to visit:
Join us on the following dates and times:
Date | Time | Venue |
Tuesday 10 December | 2.00pm to 4.00pm | The Hub, Broad Green, 38 Keeley Road, Croydon, CR0 6HJ |
Wednesday 11 December | 2.00pm to 4.30pm | West Wickham and Shirley Baptist Church, Wickham Rd, Croydon, CR0 8EH |
Thursday 12 December | 2.00pm to 4.30pm | Tollers Community Centre, 23 Jutland Gardens, Goodenough Way, Old Coulsdon, CR5 1BT |
Friday 13 December | 2.00pm to 4.30pm | Sanderstead United Reformed Church, 3 Sanderstead South Croydon, CR2 0HB |
·The outreach events programme will continue to be developed with a full programme scheduled to be launched in April 2025.
Find out more about the Home Library Service. It is available for all residents who are unable to visit their local library.
A free weekly bus shuttle is available for residents of Bradmore Green, Broad Green, Sanderstead and Shirley. The shuttle is available to transport them from the recently closed libraries to the nearest Croydon Library.
Bradmore Green:
Broad Green:
Sanderstead:
Shirley:
Croydon Libraries welcome schools and education settings to use our services. All education settings in the borough are invited to arrange to visit their local library. Schools located in Bradmore Green, Broad Green, Sanderstead and Shirley are also able to access book collections on loan. For more information please contact libraries@croydon.gov.uk.
From 6 January 2025, opening hours at Ashburton, New Addington, South Norwood, Coulsdon and Purley Libraries will increase. Residents will also be able to access more regular outreach activities and book collections in local community venues.
From 7 April 2025, 9 libraries will be open at least 5 days a week and all libraries will be open on Saturdays.
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 4 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 community bases webpage or you can contact the team by emailing communityrelations@croydon.gov.uk.
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