In the press
South Norwood Library is a unique building which is rich in history and loved by many. The library has been featured widely in the media.
For press enquiries please email us brutalistlibrary@gmail.com
Twentieth Century Society: Brutalist Library Shortlisted For Award
South Norwood Library – a 1960’s ‘Mini-Mies’ in the Croydon suburbs, that’s been the focus of a high-profile community campaign to save it from closure – has been shortlisted for a prestigious Architecture Today Award, recognising ‘Buildings that Stand the Test of Time’.
Evening Standard: Croydon invites you to embrace its Brutalist architecture
The south London borough is opening up some of its most fascinating buildings to the public
the modernist magazine: issue #43: LIBRARY
Article about South Norwood Library and the Brutalist Library Campaign with photography by Jo Underhill.
Elain Harwood: Brutalist Britain - Buildings of the 1960’s and 70’s
This beautifully photographed book is an authoritative survey of the finest British examples from the very late 1950s to the 1970s, from leading architectural writer Elain Harwood, following on from her acclaimed books on Art Deco and mid-century architecture. Introducing Britain’s finest examples of brutalist architecture, including South Norwood Library.
My London: Croydon Mayor Blames Rising Cost
“There is considerable support among the local community for keeping the library in its current home, preserving a unique piece of local heritage.” Jason Perry, Mayor of Croydon
My London: New Croydon Library Empty
Update about the proposed plans to move the library service to a smaller retail site which are now on hold.
Inside Croydon: Brick by Brick’s South Norwood Library on the market for retail
“Coincidentally, the (not-so) old library building, which opened in 1968, is featured in the latest edition of The Modernist magazine.”
Croydonist: Poetry, Prose and Concrete
The Croydonist discovers South Norwood Library as part of Open House London.
Financial Times: London’s big week for architecture fans
More than 500 of the city’s most interesting buildings will open to the public for September’s Open House London festival. The FT’s architecture critic picks six places to see
Michael Heyward: South Norwood Library
“Its a real little gem, Miesian modernist inspired with a bit of brutalism thrown in.”
Open City: Five London landmarks at risk to feature in the 2021 Open House Festival
South Norwood Library, brimming with civic-pride and encapsulating Greater London Council’s tough concrete urbanism
Inside Croydon: South Norwood’s ‘Brutalist’ Library in Top 10 attractions
“South Norwood Library was designed by Hugh Lea, when Croydon Council had an architects’ department worthy of the name.”
Architects’ Journal: Open House 2021 reveals ‘top 10’ must-see buildings in London
10 Downing Street by Christopher Wren and others, Westminster, City Hall by Foster + Partners, Southwark, and South Norwood Library by Hugh Lea, Borough Architect Croydon