West Wickham Library in Bromley opens after refurbishment

West Wickham Library in Bromley officially reopened on Friday, June 27, following a major upgrade.

The transformation includes a new café, business lounge, and the borough’s first Makerspace featuring a 3D printer.

Bromley’s refurbished library draws crowds and community buzz (Image: Bromley Council) A spokesman for Bromley Council 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 reopening was marked by a visit from the Mayor of Bromley.

Over £1m in funding supports modern library transformation (Image: Bromley Council)

Children’s author Peter Bently attended and read stories to families in the new children’s library.

The children’s space overlooks an outdoor classroom.

The refurbished library features new frontage and a glass surround on the first floor.

The Makerspace offers equipment such as 3D printers, a die cutter, and sewing machines.

The council secured more than £1 million from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund to support the upgraded facilities.

Other improvements include bookable community spaces, a business lounge, public toilets on each floor, and a Changing Places facility.

The library will continue to be operated by Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL), the social enterprise that runs all of Bromley’s libraries.

A spokesman for GLL 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 once again take part in the Reading Agency’s Summer Reading Challenge.

This year’s theme is ‘Story Garden’.

Children are encouraged to sign up for free and pledge to read at least six books over the summer, earning stickers for each one they complete.

The council is investing more than £30 million in library refurbishments across the borough.

Improvement works are currently under way at Chislehurst, Mottingham, and Orpington libraries.

Plans to relocate Bromley Central Library to a new high street location are also progressing.