Norbury Library serves wards that are amongst the most economically challenged in Croydon, and experience housing, educational and employment statistics well below the English average. Opening hours are now restricted to 3 days a week – CLOSED SATURDAYS.

This seriously affects those who may have long working hours.  We have seen young people desperately looking for a place to study and do homework sitting on the benches outside. Working parents are unable to take children at the weekend. Many young people in our area have no private place at home to study for exams, or have to share one family computer with siblings. The Library is vital to them meeting their potential.

The lovely building was refurbished at great expense – it has disabled access to a community hall – which is not available for community use. What a waste in a community which is underserved and yet so keen to get things going!

We call upon Croydon Council and Croydon Mayor Jason Perry to :

• Immediately extend opening hours to include Saturdays
• Make the hall available for community, charitable and educational use
• Engage in meaningful consultation with Love Norbury, Residents Associations and other community groups to find ways to Keep Our Library Live