New research has found that Bromley issued more than one million books last year, more than any other London borough.

Bromley Central Library also ranked in the top ten busiest libraries nationwide, with the new ranking following years of high performance from Bromley’s library network.

The results were published by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy between 2021-22.

Refurbishment works are soon to commence at both West Wickham and St Paul’s Cray Library, with both library services being temporarily relocated to accommodate the works.

West Wickham Library has currently relocated to a Grade II listed Art Deco building near Coney Hall while refurbishments take place, including extending the library to improve space with additional children’s learning and reading areas, new community hire spaces, changing place toilets and a modern café with sheltered outdoor seating.

St Paul’s Cray Library is closed and temporarily operating from the nearby Cotmandene Resource Centre due to planned works which aim to improve spaces and modern facilities in the library, including accessible toilets and consultation rooms.

Once the refurbishment is completed this summer, the operating hours of the library will then be extended as the community resource centre service can open on current library closed days and make full use of the building.

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Councillor Yvonne Bear, Executive Councillor for Renewal, Recreation and Housing said: “This is great news for Bromley that really illustrates the important role that libraries play in the lives of so many of our residents.

“Our library network provides essential access to books and resources, while also acting as important hubs for residents to seek advice and support or join various community and family activities.

“We are currently improving a number of centres to enhance facilities and continue our trend of investing in our essential library network.”

Rebecca Gediking, Head of Libraries at GLL, the charitable social enterprise who operate Bromley’s libraries said: “It is wonderful to hear these results, which truly reflect the efforts of staff across our libraries to ensure we create welcoming spaces for residents and provide a range of services to benefit the local community.

“We will continue to work closely with Bromley Council to ensure our libraries keep going from strength to strength.”