Southwark Council opens brand new Grove Vale Library

21 December 2018

Southwark is delighted to open its brand new library, Grove Vale. Cllr Rebecca Lury, Cabinet Member for culture, leisure, equalities and communities, joined children from Dog Kennel Hill, Goose Green and St John’s and St Clements Primary Schools, for the grand opening, on 19 December.

Unlike many councils, Southwark is going above and beyond investing in its existing libraries, and building new ones.

The new Grove Vale Library is almost twice as big as its former site, which is good news for the children’s story-times and rhyme-time sessions, which are regularly oversubscribed.

People who use the library were invited to let the council know what they wanted. The name of the library, the extra morning opening hours, new books, free Wi-Fi and some of the many groups and clubs, all reflect the wishes of local users.

The library houses a comprehensive range of books, e-books and e-magazines for adults and children. It also offers internet and Wi-Fi facilities, more study spaces, a flexible space for children’s activities and events, and a community meeting room.

The council commissioned local artist, Lasma Liepina, to create a large-scale artwork for the entrance of the new library. Her work, History Made in Dulwich, is inspired by local nature, history and architecture and told through an intricate illustrated timeline from the year 967, when East Dulwich was a dill meadow, through to the present day.

In difficult times, when so many local councils are having to make tough decisions and close their libraries, Southwark has gone beyond investing in its excellent, existing provision. This new library was made possible by working with Northridge Capital; it is part of their new development, which also includes housing and a Marks and Spencer store, all adjacent to East Dulwich station.

Cllr Rebecca Lury said: “This is a truly remarkable new facility, it responds to many of our visitors ideas and requests and offers something for everyone. Grove Vale Library will extend Southwark’s excellent offer, ensuring comprehensive and high quality library provision across the borough and offering people a place to learn, work, relax and come together.”

Visit our website for a full list of activities, including: computer games clubs, a book group, IT taster sessions, a coding club, baby and toddler sessions and more: www.southwark.gov.uk/grovevalelibrary

Page last updated: 21 December 2018