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Lea Bridge Library

Purley Library

Sanderstead Library

Selsdon Library

Shirley Library

South Norwood Library

Thornton Heath Library

Clacton Library

Coggeshall Library

Colchester Library

Corringham Library

Hornchurch Library

Gidea Park Library

Harold Wood Library

Rainham Library

Romford Central Library

South Hornchurch Library

Upminster Library

Ealing Road Library

Kilburn Library

Acton Town Hall library

Ealing Central Library

Greenford Library

Hanwell Community library

Jubilee Gardens library

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Chigwell Library

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Debden Library

Epping Library

Earls Colne Library

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East Ham Library 

The Gate Library

Green Street Library

Manor Park Library

North Woolwich Library

Plaistow Library

Stratford Library

Sydenham Community Library 

Avonmore Library

Fulham Library

Hammersmith Library

Shepherds Bush Library

Tilbury Library

Springfield Library

Tiptree Library

Thaxted Library

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>Complementing the 9 libraries, there is a new Library Outreach Team delivering activities and book services from community venues, connecting local residents with library services.</p>
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />The team can help residents to:<br />&bull; &nbsp; &nbsp;join the library<br />&bull; &nbsp; &nbsp;renew and reserve books<br />&bull; &nbsp; &nbsp;access the digital library<br />&bull; &nbsp; &nbsp;access storytelling and rhymetimes for children aged under 5<br />&bull; &nbsp; &nbsp;Creative writing and poetry workshops<br />&bull; &nbsp; &nbsp;Museum object handling sessions<br />&bull; &nbsp; &nbsp;Puzzles and games sessions<br />&nbsp;</p>
<p><span style="font-size: 18pt;">Community collections</span></p>
<p>The outreach service provides community collections in other local venues around the borough. &nbsp;Collections can be found at in the following locations for people in those areas who aren&rsquo;t able to visit a Croydon Library:<br />&nbsp;<br />Book Nook at West Wickham and Shirley Baptist Church,<br />Wickham Rd, Croydon CR0 8EH</p>
<p>The Book Exchange at Sanderstead United Reformed Church<br />3 Sanderstead Hill, South Croydon CR2 0HB</p>
<p>Tollers Community Centre,&nbsp;<br />23 Jutland Gardens, Goodenough Way, Old Coulsdon, Surrey CR5 1DW<br />&nbsp;<br />If you are a local community group or venue and would like a visit from the outreach team please email your enquiry to <a href="mailto:libraryoutreach@croydon.gov.uk" target="_blank" rel="noopener">libraryoutreach@croydon.gov.uk</a></p>
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<p><span style="font-size: 18pt;">Outreach Events</span></p>
<div data-olk-copy-source="MessageBody">Tollers Community centre -&nbsp;</div>
<div>Rhyme Time and Craft Corner&nbsp;</div>
<div>Every Friday 10-11am&nbsp;</div>
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<div>Tollers Community Centre -</div>
<div>Reading Together - fortnightly on Fridays (starting 26<sup>th</sup>&nbsp;September)</div>
<div>11am-12pm&nbsp;</div>
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<div>West Wickham and Shirley Baptist Church&nbsp;</div>
<div>Story Time&nbsp;</div>
<div>Every Wednesday 10.45-11.30am&nbsp;</div>
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<div>West Wickham and Shirley Baptist Church&nbsp;</div>
<div>Reading Together - fortnightly on Mondays (starting Monday 15<sup>th</sup>&nbsp;September)</div>
<div>11am-12.30pm&nbsp;</div>
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<div>The Reading Together groups get together every other week to socialise with other readers and share quiet reading in a relaxed and friendly environment. There's no assigned reading, so bring your own book or find something to read in the community collections.&nbsp;</div>
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<div>COMING SOON</div>
<div>Reading group at Sanderstead United reformed Church</div>
<div>Afternoon Book Buddies at Tollers and Sanderstead United reformed Church</div>
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<p><span style="font-size: 18pt;">Schools and education settings</span><br />&nbsp;<br />Croydon Libraries welcome schools and education settings to use our services and bring classes and groups to visit our libraries. &nbsp;For schools which aren&rsquo;t located near a Croydon Library, our outreach service can arrange to visit you. To arrange a visit please contact <a href="mailto:libraries@croydon.gov.uk" target="_blank" rel="noopener">libraries@croydon.gov.uk</a><br />&nbsp;</p>
<p><br /><span style="font-size: 18pt;">Shuttle service</span></p>
<p>We also provide a free bus shuttle where it&rsquo;s required to support residents to visit their nearest Croydon Library.<br />&nbsp;<br />Our current shuttle service is available on Mondays (except bank holidays) between Old Coulsdon and Coulsdon Library.<br />&bull; &nbsp; &nbsp;Departing from Bradmore Way, outside the library building, at 10.30am<br />&bull; &nbsp; &nbsp;Return journey departing from Coulsdon Library at 12pm</p>
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<p><span style="font-size: 18pt;">Home Library Service</span></p>
<p>The Home Library Service is a free service offered to Croydon residents who are unable to visit their local library. &nbsp;To find out more click <a href="https://libraries.croydon.gov.uk/digital-content/library-services/home-library-service" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a></p>

Library outreach

news-and-events

<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>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Self-service opening</h2>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<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>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<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>
<h3>&nbsp;</h3>
<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>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<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>
<h3>&nbsp;</h3>
<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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An enthralling book celebrating the benefits of hedgerows in our countryside and a way of living that has all but disappeared in recent decades, perfect for fans of <i>The Shepherd's Life</i>.

Of thorn & briar : a year with the West Country hedgelayer

Of thorn & briar : a year with the West Country hedgelayer

By: Lamb, Paul, 1976- author.

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