Sydenham Library

Temperatures inside Sydenham Library are forecast to reach unsafe levels.
For the safety of the public, our staff and volunteers, we have taken the difficult decision to CLOSE Sydenham Library on Wednesday and Thursday.

At present, Forest Hill and Manor House libraries are set to remain open but this may change throughout the day and over the course of the week as we assess the risk.

Crofton Park has been closed today and we assess the situation there again tomorrow morning.

Thank you for the amazing discussion at Courage, Conversations, Collage this weekend! We marked the start of Refugee Week with a great panel and creative collage session at Sydenham Library as the second event in our Sanctuary in Sydenham series, kindly made possible by Borough of Sanctuary.

Huge thank you to our amazing panelists, Isaac Izekor, Dr Malé Luján Escalante, and Jane Mugo!

This Pride Month, check out our Queerness & Colonialism reading list at Sydenham Library in partnership with Rainbow Migration 🌈

It's Volunteers Week, and we want to say thank you.

Calico's four libraries, Forest Hill, Manor House, Sydenham, and Crofton Park, exist because people from across South East London give their time to keep them open and thriving. Hundreds of volunteers support our libraries, and we would not be able to do what we do without them.

Each library has its own community and its own character, but what they have in common is a team of volunteers who show up, week after week, because they believe a good local library matters. They help visitors find books, support people using computers and digital services, assist at events, and make everyone who walks through the door feel welcome.

As one of our volunteers put it: "My favourite thing is the social and pro-community atmosphere. While volunteering I get to interact and bond with people in a way that is much more natural than usual. I feel comfortable and welcome being here."
That sense of belonging is something our volunteers create, for themselves and for everyone else.

Calico receives no government funding to run the libraries. Every open door, every stocked shelf, every event that goes ahead is the result of a community that has decided these spaces are worth fighting for. Our volunteers are central to that.
We also love any excuse to celebrate together. Twice a year we hold volunteer parties, rotating between our four sites so everyone has a chance to attend without having to travel far. Last year's summer party was at Manor House and the Christmas party at Forest Hill. This year we're heading to Sydenham on 18th July.

To everyone volunteering at Forest Hill, Manor House, Sydenham, and Crofton Park this week and every week: thank you.

If you would like to join them, you can find out more and sign up at calicolibraries.com/volunteer

📚 Anancy Festival

📍Sydenham Library

Join Barbara and friends at Sydenham Library to celebrate Windrush Day 2026 with a fun, free session full of stories and activities about the trickster spider Anancy, perfect for ages 4-9 (siblings welcome). All children must be accompanied by an adult.

This event will feature stories and activities about Anancy/Ananse/Anansi from multiple cultures and countries.

No need to book – just drop in!

🔗 For information and booking (if applicable) follow this link

Anancy Festival – Calico Libraries Anancy Festival Join Barbara and friends at Sydenham Library to celebrate Windrush Day 2026 with a fun, free session full of stories and activities about the trickster spider Anancy, perfect for ages 4-9 (siblings welcome). All children must be accompanied by an adult. This event will feature storie...

Join Udochi from NAZ Project London on 30th June for our next meeting of the Front to Black book group! This month, we're discussing The Seers by Sulaiman Addonia. It's short, it's thought-provoking, and you can pick up your copy from Sydenham Library! Whether you've finished the novel or not, we hope to see you on 30th June at Sydenham Library for a relaxed conversation with snacks, drinks, and great company

We've just refreshed the New Non-Fiction display shelves down at Sydenham Library. Now presenting: A history of London pubs! Two Scottish lads conquering the music industry! An ode to the Korean corn dog! And travel guides to far-flung places like Barbados! Venice! Scotland! Come and have a look...

📚 Local councillors’ drop-in surgery

📍Sydenham Library

Once a month, the local councillors from Sydenham Ward hold a drop-in advice surgery at Sydenham Library. Come along with any local issues you have and speak to your representatives. No need to book.

Your local councillors are:

Corin Ashwell (https://councilmeetings.lewisham.gov.uk/mgUserInfo.aspx?UID=17097), Green Party

Tanya Dunne (https://councilmeetings.lewisham.gov.uk/mgUserInfo.aspx?UID=17098), Green Party

Markus Michelucci (https://councilmeetings.lewisham.gov.uk/mgUserInfo.aspx?UID=17096), Green Party

Please note that not all councillors will be present at every drop-in surgery.

🔗 For information and booking (if applicable) follow this link https://calicolibraries.com/events/local-councillors-drop-in-surgery

📚 Energy Advice with Selce

📍Sydenham Library

Join Selce (South East London Community Energy) for a free session at Sydenham Library where you’ll learn simple tips to save money on your energy bills by making your home more energy-efficient.

No need to book – just turn up at 3pm on Wednesday 27th May or 10th June.

🔗 For information and booking (if applicable) follow this link https://calicolibraries.com/events/energy-advice-with-selce