Croydon Council has increased the number of days that some of the borough’s libraries are open, with some now providing residents with full time access five days a week.
Ashburton Library and Coulsdon Library are now open full time, from 10am-6pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, and from 9am-5pm on Saturday.
These increased hours will give residents more opportunities to visit and enjoy all that Croydon’s libraries have to offer, from clubs and activities to reading, research and study.
From April, all the borough’s libraries will be open five to six days a week, and Central Library and Thornton Heath Library will see their hours extended.
The changes are a result of listening to residents, who told the Council that the previous opening hours, introduced in 2022, didn’t work with some libraries only open two days a week. The changes are part of the Council’s work to improve the library service and make it more accessible, including introducing self-service at three locations.
Further information on the libraries and the opening hours can be found on the Council website
Residents can also use the borough’s digital library. This offers 24/7 instant access to e-books, audiobooks, hundreds of e-newspapers and magazines in many different languages, as well as other online resources.
- New Addington Library is now open Monday, Thursday, Friday from 10am-6pm
- Purley Library is now open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10am-6pm
- South Norwood Library is now open Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 10am-6pm
To make it easier to use libraries, self-service opening is now available at:
- New Addington Library on Tuesdays 10am-6pm
- Norbury Library on Mondays and Wednesdays 9am-7pm and Saturdays 9am-5pm
- Selsdon Library on Tuesdays and Thursdays 9am-7pm
“People in Croydon really care about our libraries, but unfortunately the previous opening hours meant less than 10% of residents were using them.
“Our libraries in Croydon are about so much more than books, with some fantastic events and activities for all ages. I’m pleased that our longer opening hours will mean more people can enjoy them.
“We are looking forward to April when all our libraries will open for either five or six days a week.
“We will also be launching a programme of outreach events and activities, so everyone knows what’s on offer this spring and summer.”
Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon
