Library service review

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:

• Bradmore Green
• Broad Green
• Sanderstead
• Shirley

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. 

What happens next:

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:

Visiting a library building 

Find out more about our libraries and when they are open. 

Accessing the online library 

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. 

library outreach 

Our staff are visiting groups and events in community venues to connect local residents with the library service. 

If you are a local group in Bradmore Green, Broad Green, Sanderstead or Shirley areas and would like a visit from the library service please email your enquiry to libraries@croydon.gov.uk. 

Staff can support residents to:

• join the library
• renew and reserve books
• access the digital library
• access storytelling and rhymetime which is available for children aged under 5

The outreach events programme will continue to be developed with a full programme scheduled to be launched in April 2025.
 

Using the Home Library Service 

Find out more about the Home Library Service. It is available for all residents who are unable to visit their local library. 

Free bus service from 11 November 2024

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. 

Mondays

Bradmore Green: 

• Departing from Bradmore Way, outside the library building, at 10.30am.
  Return journey departing from Coulsdon Library at 12pm.

Wednesdays

Broad Green: 

• Departing from Canterbury Road, outside the library building, at 10.30am.
  Return journey departing from Thornton Heath Library at 12pm.

Sanderstead: 

• Departing from Sanderstead Hill, outside the library building, at 10am.
  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 12pm.

Schools and education settings

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.

Library services in 2025 

From January 2025 

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 April 2025

From 7 April 2025, 9 libraries will be open at least 5 days a week and all libraries will be open on Saturdays. 

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 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.