Croydon libraries to open doors for first time in four months

By Tara O’Connor, Local Democracy Reporter

Libraries in Croydon are preparing to open for the first time in four months.

Five Croydon libraries will be open for a collection service from Monday, where books are reserved online or over the phone and picked up in specific time slots.

The libraries offering the new select and collect service will be Central Library, Selsdon Library, Coulsdon Library, Ashburton Library and Thornton Heath Library.

On the same day the home library delivery service will start up again for people who are unable to visit their library.

All books that are currently on loan will be extended again until September 1.

Councillor Oliver Lewis, cabinet member for culture, leisure and sport, said: “Our library staff went above and beyond during the lockdown, helping 1,000 new members access hundreds of online eBooks and eAudiobooks as well as providing a befriending service to help isolated residents.

“I know I am not alone in welcoming the return of libraries, with the services relaunching to help residents who could not access these digital resources enjoy their libraries and the fantastic range of books and audiobooks they offer.

We are introducing services gradually to ensure our libraries are safe for visitors and staff alike.”