The much-anticipated reopening of West Wickham Library took place on Friday 27 June, as many eager residents joined the celebrations to explore the new facilities.
On the busy reopening day, many attended to discover the bright new spaces being revealed, being joined by regular library users returning to continue their day-to-day activities in the library, with plenty of new library areas to break away from the festivities for a quiet read.
The expanded and refurbished library was reopened by the Mayor of Bromley, with the new café, business lounge and Makerspace with 3D printer being amongst the highlights being explored. Local children’s author Peter Bently read some of his books to attentive young families in the vibrant new children’s library overlooking the outdoor classroom, with crafts and other special activities also taking place throughout the day.
A council spokesperson said: “It has never been clearer how important our libraries are to residents than on this reopening, as many smiling faces eagerly travelled through the new library spaces, many planning their future visits, whether regular users or new library converts. Local residents yet to attend are really encouraged, with plenty to discover throughout the library.”
The library has been designed with new frontage and glass surround on the first floor to adjoin the traditional library building. The first Makerspace in a Bromley library is one exciting new facility, which provides equipment such as 3D printers, a die cutter and sewing machines to support residents and local entrepreneurs. To support specialist facilities like the Makerspace, the council secured over £1m from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
The new library will also provide new bookable areas for residents, including a community space and business lounge, along with public toilets on each floor as well as a new Changing Places facility. The library will be run by Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL), the charitable social enterprise who operate all Bromley’s libraries.
A GLL spokesperson said: “It has been a privilege to work with the London Borough of Bromley to renovate and refurbish West Wickham Library. GLL libraries are some of the highest performing across the UK with Bromley Libraries lending the highest number of books in London for the last two years. The new West Wickham Library captures all of the magic of the old library whilst inspiring and supporting a new generation of readers.”
Bromley Libraries will again be taking part in the Reading Agency's Summer Reading Challenge - this year’s theme is ‘Story Garden’. Children are invited to sign up for free and pledge to read at least six books, collecting stickers for those they complete. Find out more about the Summer Reading Challenge.
The Council is continuing to deliver over £30m in library refurbishments across the borough, with works now underway at Chislehurst, Mottingham and Orpington libraries, and plans to relocate Bromley Central Library to its new high street location are also progressing.
ENDS
Editors’ notes
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills.
The investment in this project is from the ‘Communities and Place’ investment priority of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
More information on the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
For media enquiries, please contact James George, Public Affairs, on 020 8313 4565 or email james.george@bromley.gov.uk