In the heart of Croydon, the purpose-built Broad Green Library used to stand as a quiet haven for many residents, including full-time carer Kiran Choda. For Kiran, the library was not just a building filled with books, but a lifeline that provided solace, respite, and a chance to connect with friends. However, late last year, the library closed its doors permanently, leaving a significant gap in the lives of those who relied on it daily.
The closure of Broad Green Library is just one example of a larger trend in the UK, where approximately 40 libraries are shutting down each year, as revealed by BBC research. These closures have a profound impact on communities, stripping them of not just book repositories, but also vital community hubs and connections to the outside world. What happens to individuals like Kiran when a library they depend on disappears?
For Kiran, the closure of the library has plunged her into a sense of isolation. Suffering from fibromyalgia, a condition that causes constant pain and fatigue, she used the library not only as a source of respite but also for practical tasks like shopping and administration. Moreover, the library was a place where she found friendship and belonging, joining groups like a poetry club. The void left by the library’s closure has left Kiran feeling cut off from the community she once thrived in.
Despite efforts to rationalize the closures based on low visitor numbers, the impact on the lives of those who frequented libraries like Broad Green cannot be understated. Groups like the Empowering Tamil Families, who used to hold yoga and meditation sessions in the library, have now been displaced, with some members unable to make the trek to the new location. The closure of Broad Green Library represents more than just the loss of a physical space; it is the loss of a gathering place, a sanctuary, and a vital lifeline for many in the community
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