Croydon Council is proposing changes to its library services that would see nine libraries, open five days a week including Saturdays, with more events and activities and more staff to provide a new outreach service.

The proposals, which have been developed based on extensive research and listening to residents, have been published for consideration at Scrutiny & Overview Committee, ahead of a decision at Cabinet on 25 September.

The report sets out the findings from a review of Croydon’s library services, together with the outcome of the public consultation that ran earlier this year.

The council took the decision to review the service due to concerns that the current model is not working, after a significant reduction in opening hours and budget cuts of more than £800k between 2019 and 2022. Less than 10% of residents are using libraries, and residents and staff had told us that the opening hours didn’t work.

To meet the council’s Best Value Duty to residents, the council must change the way it provides library services. The proposed new model would see the council reinvest resources, to provide a more tailored library service that reaches more residents and better meets their needs.

Nine libraries would be open a minimum of five days a week, including Saturday opening for every library. Each will provide an extensive offer of books, wi-fi, PCs, study space and events.

It is proposed that four libraries – Bradmore Green, Broad Green, Sanderstead and Shirley – are closed, with an outreach service introduced for each of these areas. This will allow funding currently spent on building costs, to be used to extend opening hours and services at the remaining nine libraries and provide a targeted outreach service.

Outreach would include library services and events available from other community venues, many of which were suggested by residents through the consultation. At these sites, residents would be able to borrow books and join weekly activities tailored to the local community.

The council is also proposing to improve the home library service, with better connections to venues such as care homes and sheltered accommodation.

Through the consultation, the council heard how important the library buildings are to their local communities.  If the proposals are agreed at Cabinet, the Executive Mayor is committed to supporting community and voluntary organisations to keep buildings where the library is closing, in community use. The council will be arranging a series of workshops to support others to take on the buildings. Further details of this will be available on the council website in early October.

If the proposals are approved, the council will start to work with libraries impacted. Changes including timescales will be communicated through the council website and social media channels.

Find the reports here.

“We know how loved and valued our Croydon library service is – and that is why we have to do something to improve it.

“Residents have told us that despite the best efforts of library staff, the current model simply isn’t working – following past budget cuts, residents have ended up with a model that is the worst of both worlds. It isn’t efficient, it isn’t cost effective and most importantly, it isn’t available when people want to use it.

“Thank you to everyone who took part in the consultation. We have listened and understand that residents do not want libraries to close but do want libraries open for longer including weekends, and more events and activities.

“The proposal to close library buildings would be a very difficult one and I know people would be sad to see their local library go. I am committed to supporting community and voluntary organisations with an interest in taking on a building to keep these well-loved buildings in community use and encourage anyone interested to join the upcoming workshops.

“Resident feedback from the consultation has helped us to design the new model and outreach service in the areas where we are proposing to close library buildings, so that services are easy to access and available to as many residents as possible.”

Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon