17th October 2024

Croydon Council has confirmed plans to close four libraries—Broad Green, Shirley, Sanderstead, and Bradmore Green—as early as November 2024 due to budget constraints. This decision, driven by cost-cutting measures and an £800k budget shortfall between 2019 and 2022, has disappointed many local organisations, including Surrey Physio, which submitted a not-for-profit proposal to keep the libraries open.

The closures come as part of a wider strategy to reinvest in the remaining nine libraries and introduce outreach services. However, the loss of these community spaces has raised concerns about long-term effects on public well-being, especially for those who depend on libraries for educational resources and social engagement.

Surrey Physio has expressed deep frustration, as its proposal offered alternative funding models to ensure these libraries remain open. “We appreciate the council's financial difficulties but feel the long-term impact of losing these community hubs has been overlooked. Beyond all doubt, we feel that the importance of books, and a quiet space, is exactly what is required in our community. While we understand the need to save funds, no money will actually be saved because funds instead will be funnelled into the other remaining libraries.”

Surrey Physio had sent in a proposal that would have seen a viable option for all libraries to remain open, as a not-for-profit plan, utilising volunteers and communities, centralising IT resources, and subletting space.

In response to significant community concerns, the council has invited local groups to submit proposals to repurpose the closed library buildings as community centres. Interested parties will need to outline sustainable business plans to cover running and maintenance costs. However, it not clear if rent and rates would still need to be paid to the council. If they would, it would make the project financially unviable.

Despite disappointment from local residents (sadly many of whom did not use the services), organisations like Surrey Physio feel that library closures will leave a lasting void, particularly for residents who rely on access to free resources and spaces for learning, creativity, and social support. “Without libraries many people will become isolated. We need community for health”, said Clinical Director Tim Allardyce who wrote the proposal.

As Croydon faces financial strain, this decision reflects a wider issue of balancing cost-saving with preserving vital community services. Many now hope that the council will find alternative ways to support both its finances and its community hubs in the future. We do hope Croydon Council can bridge the financial gap they are faced with.

For more information, visit the Croydon Council Newsroom.