Libraries Near Lewisham: Opening Hours, Joining and Post Offices

Lewisham Library on Lewisham High Street is closed, so most people in the town centre, Ladywell, Lee, Hither Green, Brockley and Blackheath use a nearby branch. Hours below are as published by the council, and some branches are run by community partners, so check the branch page before you go.

What has happened to Lewisham Library?

The council's branch page lists Lewisham Library, 199-201 Lewisham High Street, SE13 6LG, as closed for refurbishment. The page gives no reopening date, so check the council for the current plan. Other branches are listed on the council's libraries page.

Which libraries are nearest?

• Manor House Community Library, 34 Old Road, SE13 5SY (Lee and Hither Green side): Monday to Friday 10am to 6pm, Saturday 10am to 4pm, closed Sunday and bank holidays. Phone 020 8463 0420. Study space, printing, PCs and Wi-Fi are listed.
• Blackheath Village community library, at the Reminiscence Centre, 11 Blackheath Village, SE3 9LA: building open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm and Saturday 10am to 4pm. Volunteer-staffed hours are shorter, and there is a self-service point outside staffed hours. Phone 020 8318 9105.
• Crofton Park community library, Brockley Road, SE4 2AG (Brockley side): Monday to Thursday 10am to 5pm, Friday and Saturday 10am to 1pm, closed Sunday and bank holidays. Phone 020 8694 9373.

The council's branch list also has Catford Library, the Library at Deptford Lounge, Forest Hill, Sydenham and others. It does not list a library in Ladywell, Brockley proper or Hither Green. Check the branch pages to see which is most convenient for you.

How do I join?

Anyone living, working or studying in London can join, according to the council's joining page. Take proof of identity and address, such as a driving licence or a council tax or household bill dated within three months, and you get a card immediately. You can sign up online for the eLibrary, Wi-Fi and PCs, but you need to show ID in person to borrow physical items. The eLibrary has eBooks, audiobooks, magazines and comics. A free monthly Home Library Service is available if you cannot visit.

Are there fines?

The charges page says there are no fees for reserving items or for overdue items. At hub libraries, printing through Princh costs 20p for black and white A4 and 50p for colour A4. Scanning, Wi-Fi and PC use are free with a library card.

What about post offices?

Branch hours vary, so check before you go. Use the Post Office branch finder for current times. The council's recycling bank listing mentions a post office on Blackheath Grove in Blackheath.