Temporary library provision is available at St Mary's Church in Shortlands while Shortlands Library is closed for safety reasons.
St Mary's Church is open Monday from 9:30am to 1pm and from 2pm to 5:30pm, and Saturday from 9:30am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm.
Mondays at St Mary's Church
10am Baby Bounce and Rhyme 0 to 3, bring your baby and join in with songs and rhymes
10:45am Easy Peasy Colour and Stick - all ages
2:15pm Tea and Topics drop in social group for adults with speakers, quizzes, games and free refreshments
Saturdays at St Mary's Church
11am Drop in Lego for children of all ages
2:30pm Drop in craft for children 4 and upwards
The Summer Reading Challenge is available at St Mary's Church, so come along and sign up. Additionally, as well as books for browsing, a click and collect service is available through the online library catalogue or by contacting the library directly.
Shortlands Library was closed in January 2026 for safety reasons after the appearance of cracks in a rear wall, which needed investigation. Since the closure, several drainage surveys have been undertaken to investigate the cause of the crack and determine next steps, with this work ongoing.
The closest alternative library provision is available at Beckenham and West Wickham libraries both within 2 miles of Shortlands Library, with temporary provision for Bromley Central Library also available around the town centre.