Central Library Croydon

My fascination with words and language comes from My Pop. When he came home from work, after dinner I would sit on his knee and read or try to read the paper with him.
I thought that was fun, but my favourite day of the week was Saturday, because that’s went we went to the library. I always left with at least three books which I devoured and that is how I came to love libraries.
In the past few years I’ve been dismayed by systematic closure of libraries across the country, targeted by short-​termist local councils looking for easy budget cuts.
Luckily for me my local library is still open for business and it’s not half bad. It’s friendly, vibrant and a nice place to visit. The library is housed within the Croydon Clock Tower Arts Centre which is a truly beautiful building.
The librarians are helpful, if a little stern, but maybe that’s just me reacting to having to be quiet for once!
The children’s section in the library is bright, cosy, well stocked with old faithfuls and a few newbies as well.
If you’re a student it’s not so great, as I found out when I was at night school, getting my degree awhile back.
A lot of the standard text books I needed were out of date (an unfortunate testament to those darn council cuts!) and the computers (which you have to book) aren’t strictly top of the line.
Photocopying costs 5p a sheet, buy yourself a photocopier card if you are photocopying chapters and also to save you messing around asking for change!
Overview the library may not be the coolest place in the world to hang out, but it remains an essential part of our local community and I hope it remains for many years to come.

Croydon Library is pretty impressive, there are four floors of books, with a fairly decent, if dated collection on pretty much any subject you would want to know about. The only thing I don’t like about the library is all the computer terminals are for internet use and there are no public access catalogues so it’s difficult to find anything, particularly as the library is so large.

This is the best public library I have ever been and I reckon probably the best one I will ever see — which is bizarre, seen as it’s in Croydon… it’s got loads of levels, and quite a lot of useful non-​fiction stuff for students. Aside from that, also got stacks of fiction, DVDs, music… loads of room to work and lots of computers. Staff are always very helpful and this is a lovely example of a library that runs events and attempts to look after its membership and succeeds — big thumbs up for that. Keep up the good work!

I was at a loss when moving to Croydon. No money for retail therapy, no where to go on my days off-​solution? Croydon Library. It was recommended by a friend and I have thoroughly enjoyed its services. The internet access has quadrupled in size since I started visiting, the buildings hours are good and the selection of novels etc. really vast. With cheap printing and photocopying I have been able to keep up with my correspondance and I had no need for extra cash for internet cafes or bookshops with cafes. I am sure that this place has kept me sane. Other people may disagree! One can enter in anonymity and leave the same way, with lots of books to fire your imagination.
Love it!

my absolute favourite library in the world. the smell alone warms my heart. in particular a fantastic childrens library which to the the best of my knowledge does a book club in the summer holidays. good general info services on 2^nd floor too. and a massive dvd and cd loan out service. fully reccommend.

Croydon Library really sets the standard for public libraries. Located across three floors in Croydon Clocktower, with a separate children’s library on the ground floor, it really has something for everyone. In addition to the books, CDs and DVDs (which include films, instruction videos and recordings of opera and dance), the library also houses a local studies section with extensive records of Croydon’s history, as well as the tourist information office.
Internet access is free and there are lots of computers for public use; if you have your own laptop, you can also take it along and borrow a circuit-​breaker to plug it in. Desk space can be at a premium, however — particularly at weekends and during school holidays. Overall, though, it’s an excellent resource and something I’m quite proud to have in Croydon.

Croydon Central library is a brilliant library with a wide selection of books, comics, magazines and even cds and movies which you can borrow. Its always has a nice atmosphere for you to read and the staff are always helpful. You can access free internet from this library as well and it only blocks websites unsuitable for young children so you can do mostly what you like on it. Fully recommended

Very large central library, with separate children’s library on the ground floor, always welcome. Escalators take you floor to floor, i recommend the arts books, a great selection. You can also get a lot of sheet music here, i was pleased to find Disney’s Castle in Spain for a drama project i was doing. There are a lot of desks and comfy chairs, and you can while away the hours reading the papers. Don’t hire out dvds though, much too expensive.

There’s something here for everyone. The children’s library is relaxing and comes complete with toys for the very young. Escalators and lifts help those less able to get to the other floors containing adult books. There is a café for those who want to warm up over a cup of coffee. If you just want to wander, there is plenty to see and lots of free travel guides and infomation that can help you to plan your next excursion.

Croydon Central Library is the largest library in Croydon. It has three levels including the whole of the ground floor devoted to children’s books. There is a huge variety of books as well as a lot of local information and helpful leaflets. The library is usually always very busy but nevertheless it’s a great place to study — either at a desk or in a compfy chair by the window. There are plenty of computers with free internet access, though you need to book a place and you are usually limited to half an hour. There is a nice café downstairs and the staff are always very friendly and helpful. Very good bus and tram links nearby al within 1 minute’s walk. It is also home to the Croydon Clocktower which puts on good entertainment. (See separate review for Croydon Clocktower).