IN DEPTH ‘‘
Rob Green is Editor of Information Professional.
As well as our thriving high streets, Bromley has many rural areas, where libraries also act as a central hub for residents to come together in various ways at different points throughout their lives. – Councillor Yvonne Bear
Investment paves the way for success as Bromley backs libraries
In a world where library closures dominate the headlines, it is worth reminding ourselves that it is not all doom and gloom. The London Borough of Bromley has invested heavily in its libraries and in improving services. Here Rob Green talks to some of the key figures who have been delivering change.
THE London Borough of Bromley has 14 pub- lic libraries, serving some 330,000 residents. A long-standing partnership with GLL sees the social enterprise delivering library services on behalf of the council.
And it is this partnership between council officers, political leadership and GLL’s team that has been at the heart of investment and change. GLL’s Rebec- ca Gediking said: “GLL has been proud to manage Bromley’s library service on behalf of the council since 2017. Our partnership is rooted in a shared commitment to maintaining high-quality, accessible public services that sit at the heart of local commu- nities.”
With the partnership approaching 10 years, it is clear that things are working well. The extensive refurbishment of Bromley’s libraries is a demonstra- tion of that, with genuine partnership and involve- ment at every step. Rebecca says: “Together, we’ve worked to modernise the library offer while protect- ing the essential role libraries play as safe, welcom- ing spaces for learning, culture, and community. “We’ve been involved from the earliest stages. The council led on the capital investment, but we were closely engaged in the planning process to ensure the new designs would support day-to-day library operations. Our input focused on how spaces would be used in practice – everything from accessibility and digital infrastructure to the flexibility needed for events, study areas, and community activities.
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“Service delivery was front and centre in the design conversations. We wanted the libraries to be multi-purpose spaces, for borrowing books, but also for hosting workshops, running children’s activities, and offering digital support. The refurbishments reflect that by creating more flexible layouts, better use of natural light, improved technology, and a welcoming environment for people of all ages. The result is a design that complements our staff’s work and enhances the customer experience.” Bromley’s Portfolio Holder for Renewal, Recrea- tion and Housing Councillor Yvonne Bear has been instrumental in leading the political argument for investment. And while many local authorities have been looking at cost cutting, Bromley has been more focused on delivering value – and that means delivering services that have real impact in the community.
Councillor Bear says: “In Bromley we know how important libraries are to our residents, which not only issue the most library items of any London borough, but also host a huge range of activities, provide key information and support to so many, and serve as welcoming and friendly spaces to spend time in and enjoy a quiet read.
“As well as our thriving high streets, Bromley has many rural areas, where libraries also act as a central hub for residents to come together in various ways at different points throughout their lives. Bromley also has an internationally recognised
Winter 2025
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