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Central Library

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Lea Bridge Library

Purley Library

Sanderstead Library

Selsdon Library

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South Norwood Library

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Clacton Library

Coggeshall Library

Colchester Library

Corringham Library

Hornchurch Library

Gidea Park Library

Harold Wood Library

Rainham Library

Romford Central Library

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Upminster Library

Ealing Road Library

Kilburn Library

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Greenford Library

Hanwell Community library

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Epping Library

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Green Street Library

Manor Park Library

North Woolwich Library

Plaistow Library

Stratford Library

Sydenham Community Library 

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Fulham Library

Hammersmith Library

Shepherds Bush Library

Tilbury Library

Springfield Library

Tiptree Library

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Tye Green Library

Vange Library

Wickham Bishops Library

Witham Library

Wivenhoe Library

Wickford Library

Great Wakering Library

Bullsmoor Library

Writtle Library

Walton Library

Hockley Library

Holland Library

Halstead Library

Harwich Library

Ingatestone Library

Kelvedon Library

Laindon Library

Loughton Library

Maldon Library

Manningtree Library

North Melbourne Library

Beckton Globe Library

Canning Town Library

Marks Gate Community & Family Hub

Catford Library

Crofton Park Community Library

Wood Street Library

Waltham Forest Archives and Local Studies Library

Barking Learning Centre Community Hub

Deptford Lounge

Downham Library

North Chingford Library

Walthamstow Library

Hale End Library

Marsh Farm Library

Grove Park Community Library Service

South Woodham Ferrers Library

Lewsey Library

Bury Park Library

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<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">To see all events happening in Croydon Libraries click on the Events icon in the top right hand corner of the screen.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Library services review</h2>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Following extensive research and engagement a new model for the library service has been developed to increase opening hours at nine of our libraries and provide an outreach service. As a result of these changes, four libraries have now closed. Click <a href="https://www.croydon.gov.uk/libraries-leisure-and-culture/libraries/library-service-review" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a> to find out more about the new service model and what happens next.</p>
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<h2>Self-service opening</h2>
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<p>We are now operating self-service opening hours at Selsdon and Norbury libraries using Open+ technology to enable library members to borrow books and access facilities outside the usual opening hours.</p>
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<p>Usual services are available during self-service hours - members can borrow, renew and return items, collect reservations, and use a computer or WiFi to access the internet, eBooks or other online resources. Security measures are in place and CCTV is in operation for the safety of visitors.&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Self-service opening is available to all adults aged 18 and over and young people from 16 years old can register with parental consent. Children under 16 must be accompanied by a registered parent or guardian during self-service hours.</p>
<p>You will need to register at either library in order to use the service. Click <a href="https://libraries.croydon.gov.uk/digital-content/locations" target="_blank" aria-invalid="true" rel="noopener">here</a> for operating times and further details</p>
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News and events

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<h2>Volunteer for Croydon Libraries?</h2>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Volunteer for Croydon libraries and you can be part of this! Volunteering with us offers you a chance to meet new people, develop new skills and have fun.</p>
<p>There are opportunities available for volunteers to support our staff and add value to the service we provide to our customers.</p>
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<h3>Get involved</h3>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>If volunteering with us is something you would like to get involved in, take a look at our&nbsp;<a href="https://app.betterimpact.com/PublicOrganization/dfb6c7af-eab4-4f83-af66-aaa1c4ba7329/1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">wide variety of volunteering roles</a> or alternatively <a href="https://app.betterimpact.com/PublicOrganization/dfb6c7af-eab4-4f83-af66-aaa1c4ba7329/1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">apply now</a></p>
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<p>Once registered and recruited as a Croydon library volunteer you will be able to access your own volunteer page, sign up to regular volunteer shifts and keep track of your volunteering hours while gaining rewards!</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Volunteer with us this summer.&nbsp; We are looking for volunteers aged 13+ to help with this year's Summer Reading Challenge 2025: Story Garden.&nbsp; For more information and to apply click <a href="https://app.betterimpact.com/PublicOrganization/dfb6c7af-eab4-4f83-af66-aaa1c4ba7329/Gvi/ba7329b4-65fc-4122-acd6-107c1b2b8683/3" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a></p>
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<h3>Locations</h3>
<p>We have opportunities in libraries all across Croydon.&nbsp;Find your&nbsp;<a href="https://libraries.croydon.gov.uk/digital-content/locations" target="_blank" rel="noopener">nearest library</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;start your volunteering journey!</p>
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<h2>Archives and Research Room</h2>
<p>Our research room is open on Wednesday and Friday by appointment to find out more about the history of Croydon as well as to view any of our archival collections. We hold historic maps, photographs, microform newspapers, electoral rolls, street directories and a wide range of published material.</p>
<p>Appointments are available from 11am to 1pm and from 2pm to 4pm. You can book an appointment by emailing <a href="mailto:archives@croydon.gov.uk">archives@croydon.gov.uk</a> providing details of the items you wish to view and preferences for day and time of an appointment.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><a href="https://www.croydon.gov.uk/libraries-leisure-and-culture/arts-entertainment-and-culture/museums-and-archives/archives-and-local-history-collections" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Archives and Local History Collections</a></p>
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<h2>Museum of Croydon</h2>
<p>For full information about collections visit:&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><a href="https://museumofcroydon.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Museum of Croydon website</a></p>
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Smriti was inspired to write 'Our Gorgeous Baby' after reading Shakespeare's Sonnet 130. With lyrical humour the story reflects the routine chaos a new baby brings upon a family and - in so doing - shows that even the slurpiest, burpiest, noisiest, smelliest and messiest of babies (multiple night-time wakings included) is no challenge whatsoever to the unbreakable bond and endless and unconditional love, care and affection a family has for their gorgeous baby.

Our gorgeous baby

Our gorgeous baby

By: Halls, Smriti, author.

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