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. 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We are starting to contact residents impacted by library services being withdrawn from these four buildings to talk to them about transferring their accounts to their next nearest library, and details on alternative local venues for books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.
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.
Details of the pilot outreach service, where library services will be available from other community venues, will be available from this page next month.
The full outreach schedule is expected to be launched in April 2025.
Longer opening hours
From January 2025, opening hours will start to increase with six libraries open more days every week. Coulsdon library will be open two additional days a week and Ashburton, New Addington, South Norwood, Purley and Selsdon libraries all open one extra day a week.
From April 2025, all nine libraries will be open five days a week, including Saturdays, with Croydon Central Library in Clocktower 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.
The council is 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 and ask questions. More detail is available on the council website or you can contact the team on: communityrelations@croydon.gov.uk.
Other library services available
Online Library
Your library card gives you access to thousands of free e-books, e-audiobooks, e-magazines and e-newspapers through our Online Library.
Home Library Service
if you cannot visit a library due to disability and mobility issues, we can deliver books directly to your home through our Home Library Service,
If you are not yet a member but want to access these services, membership is free to all who live, work or study in Croydon. Register in any library or online.
For queries related to accessing library services please contact: libraries@croydon.gov.uk.