Residents in Crawley can now visit their local library for an extra hour on weekdays, as West Sussex Libraries has officially extended the opening times at the Southgate Avenue facility. Since 8 April 2026, the building has remained open until 6:00 PM, providing more flexibility for those looking to access library services after work or school.
The library, which is managed by Gill Burch, now operates Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Saturday hours remain 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and the library will continue to close on Sundays and bank holidays. This change comes despite ongoing budget pressures faced by the West Sussex County Council, which has managed a series of funding reductions from central government in recent years.
The additional hour of access allows residents more time to use the facility’s public computers, study spaces, or participate in community activities. The library hosts various programmes, including Rhyme Time sessions for toddlers, a Knit and Natter group, storytime events, and support for digital volunteers. The space also features a cafe and provides specialist services through the Business and Intellectual Property Centre, the Employ Crawley service, and a partnership with Crawley College.
This adjustment follows a period of reduced hours for the library, which had been in place since April 2020 as part of council-wide savings measures. The current building at Southgate Avenue, which was designed by Penoyre and Prasad and cost £12.5 million, has served the community since it opened in December 2008. Membership at the library remains free for anyone who lives, works, or studies within West Sussex.
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