Croydon council have recently announced that as of November 2024, one quarter of Croydon’s libraries will be closing, Including, local library Bradmore Green in Old Coulsdon. This library opened 60 years ago and is neighbours with Coulsdon church of England school (opened in 1834). The library has a long history with the school and students would visit after school and as part of lessons.
It was a hub for learning and community , full of children's books. However, in the last five years since COVID 19, the library has struggled to attract visitors and is now only open two days a week, for limited hours. This has created a huge amount of upset because of the fact Old Coulsdon is now lacking in communal centres.
Recently, locals have started to protest and petition against the closing of the library. There are complaints around how council tax is being spent and how Old Coulsdon doesn’t have an accessible library anymore. Local historian Carole Skinner, raised concerns about how children of the village lack access to books. She, along with others, believe that everyone deserves a right to books, and that “Croydon council are taking away access to learning.” She also explained that “It's not easy for all parents to take a small child on the bus to the library.”
There is, however, another library nearby. While many have been complaining about how it is not as accessible or close enough, Coulsdon town library is open three days a week and has access to free WiFi and a range of books.
