It is a generous idea as well as an answer to those who criticised Croydon’s decision to close four small local libraries. But the empty once a week shuttle bus that ran last Thursday from recently closed Shirley Library to Ashburton Library in the southern suburbs of the borough spoke volumes about the need for library services in the modern world.

The lack of use for the free service may undermine the council’s hope to make sure no Croydon community is left unserved by library services. Although advertised on X and Instagram, the lack of engagement suggests there is either not a need for the service, or people are unaware of it.

The shuttle bus services have been implemented following the closure of four libraries in September – Shirley, Sanderstead, Bradmore Green and Broad Green – due to low use and to help the council resolve its financial crisis. The services take people to their nearest open library.

Stafford Douglas the driver of the empty Shirley to Ashburton shuttle bus told ELL: “It’s been going okay. Sometimes you have a few people. There were no people this morning and 2 people last week.” 

However, Douglas said that some of the other shuttle routes have proved quite popular: “I think they are very good services, a few other drivers have said there’s been quite a good take up.” 

The shuttle from closed Bradmore Green Library to Coulsdon Library on Mondays has seen the most use so far, says Anne Pereira, library supervisor at Ashburton Library.  

Budget cuts of over £800,000 pounds between 2019 and 2022 resulted in a reduction of library hours in Croydon, with some libraries only being open two days a week. In September 2024, Croydon Council said that less than 10% of residents were actively using libraries.

Pereira said it’s “too early to tell” whether the shuttle service, which began on November 11, will improve use of library services overall.

Pereira said that the service is currently being tested to understand what the community engagement and need is. She said: “I believe there will be a more defined outreach in the new year.” 

Croydon Council say they will be able to reinvest money from library building costs to library services. The closure of the libraries also means that nine libraries within Croydon will be open a minimum of five days a week, rather than two. With more services being open all week, there is hope that use of the library services will increase.

In a Cabinet meeting, Mayor of Croydon, Jason Perry said: “Our library service has been struggling since 2019, due to budget cuts of over £800,000 and significant reductions in opening hours, making the present service unsustainable.” 

“The decision to close four library buildings is very difficult, but doing so will help to create a better service right across our borough – one that is modern, meets the needs of our residents and is available when they want to use it.” 

Bradmore Green, Broad Green, Sanderstead and Shirley libraries are to be used as community bases rather than libraries. Mayor Perry said this will recognise their “important social value” and keep them at “the heart of their communities.”