Staffed library opening hours have now returned to the pre-lockdown arrangements on Monday to Saturday. Libraries will remain closed on Sundays for now and we are currently still unable to operate our usual self-service hours. The details for our local libraries are below:

Sutton Central Library, St Nicholas Way, Sutton SM1 1EA

Mon: 9am – 8pm

Tue: 9am – 8pm

Wed: 9am – 8pm

Thu: 9am – 8pm

Fri: 9am – 5pm

Sat: 9am – 5pm

Sun: Closed

Library @ Sutton Life Centre, Alcorn Close, Sutton, SM3 9PX

Mon: 9:30am – 7pm

Tue: 9:30am – 7pm

Wed: 9:30am – 7pm

Thu: 9:30am – 7pm

Fri: 9:30am – 5pm

Sat: 9:30am – 5pm

Sun: Closed

Changes in the library buildings

Observing social distancing and reducing contact with physical surfaces is essential in protecting our residents, our community and maintaining public health. As such, the libraries are operating under the following conditions:

• A one-way queue system is in operation with 2m social distancing.
• Following government guidelines, customers visiting our libraries are required to wear face coverings at all times and use the hand sanitiser provided.
• Public toilets are available on request.
• Study spaces are currently available in Circle Library, Sutton Central Library and Wallington Library only. Study spaces need to be booked in advance by calling 020 8770 4740 or sending an email to [email protected] (please make it known if you will require a plug outlet). Study spaces are limited to 2 hours and users can only have 1 booking per day.  
• Cafes in Sutton Central Library, Wallington Library, Honeywood Museum and Whitehall Heritage House are open. The cafe at Sutton Life Centre is currently unavailable.
• Physical newspapers and magazines are no longer available. Digital access to national and International newspapers and magazines can be found here. You will need your library card number and pin.
• Some of our events, including Rhymetime, are currently taking place online. It is hoped to reintroduce some events in our library buildings soon. Follow the libraries’ social media channels and/or email newsletter for further updates.

Changes in book borrowing

Visitors can now browse all stock in Sutton’s libraries. Please note customers need to use the hand sanitiser provided before browsing.

Library stock can also be borrowed in a number of convenient ways through our ‘Select & Collect’ service. Your library card number and PIN will be required; new users can register for a library card number and PIN. To have books available for you to collect from one of reopened libraries, you can: 

1. Select your book via:
   • The online catalogue
   • My Library App (Android / Apple)
   • Email [email protected]
   • Call 020 8770 4740
2. Receive confirmation saying your books are ready to collect.
3. Collect your books in the library within 7 days.

Books will be quarantined for 72 hours and will be handled with protective equipment (e.g. gloves). 

Pre-selected Lucky Dip book packs for preschoolers and young children are available. These are packs of six books for young children to enjoy reading. To request a lucky dip book pack please email your child’s name, age and library card number to [email protected]

Changes in IT facilities in libraries

IT facilities (e.g. public computers, printers) are available for emergency and essential use only, and need to be booked in advance by sending an email to [email protected] or calling 0208 770 4740. Visitors will not be permitted to use IT equipment without a pre-arranged appointment time. Time slots are strictly 45 minutes only, and once elapsed the user will be required to vacate.

Printing must be processed and paid through the Princh app (Android / Apple). Photocopying requires exact change. This is to mitigate contact by removing the handling of cash.