Croydon plans fewer libraries but with longer opening hours

Croydon council is proposing to close four libraries in the area and channel its resources into six others.

The authority is about to consult residents on changes to its library service and its plans, which include longer opening hours, including weekends, improved facilities concentrated in fewer library buildings, and more staff.

A report to the council’s cabinet meeting next week details extensive research into the borough’s library service, following service reductions made since the council’s financial collapse in April 2020. The report can be found on the council website.

The council has been working with Activist Group, specialists in research and advice, to develop recommendations for change.

No job losses are proposed, with the council intending to use the majority of the money saved from building costs to increase the number of library staff.

The four library buildings they want to close are those at Bradmore Green, Broad Green, Sanderstead and Shirley. This proposal is based on analysis of the buildings, including visitor numbers, size and condition of the buildings, the size and needs of the communities they serve and running costs.

Six libraries (Central, Ashburton, Thornton Heath, Norbury, Selsdon and Coulsdon) would open five to six-days-a-week, including Saturdays, and deliver an extensive catalogue of books, WiFi, PCs, study spaces and events.

Activist’s research found three areas — New Addington, Purley and South Norwood — needed library services, but low visitor numbers suggested the current set-up was not working.

The council is proposing to introduce community hubs in these areas, where a library would be available alongside other services such as family and adult education services.

A 10-week consultation is set to launch. Details will be available from Croydon libraries and on the council’s Get Involved website.

Jason Perry, executive mayor of Croydon, said: “We’re listening to our communities and have developed proposals that deliver a much-enhanced library service, with more staff and a wider offer.

“By having fewer buildings and more outreach services we will be able to provide libraries that are open five or six-days-per-week, including Saturdays, offering a much wider range of services.

“This will be a great improvement on the current model of libraries only being open two or three-days-per-week.”

Pictured top: Croydon Central Library (Picture: Wikimedia Commons/Lord Belbury)