Ashburton Library

“Lost in a book?” a voice startled me, pulling me back to the present. We’re at the Ashburton Library. It’s part of a larger complex, the Ashburton Learning Village. This isn’t just any library. It’s a phoenix, risen from the ashes of its predecessor. The old Ashburton Library, nestled in nearby Ashburton Park, closed its doors to make way for this modern marvel. The new Ashburton Library opened in March 2006, a key component of this vibrant learning village. It shares space with Oasis Academy Shirley Park, Croydon Music Service, and a CALAT training center. The Learning Village itself is quite a story. It was Croydon’s first education Private Finance Initiative (PFI) project. A hefty £20 million price tag brought this innovative, energy-efficient space to life. The Ashburton Library is a testament to modern design, bathed in natural light thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows and skylights. A “brise soleil,” a permanent blind, keeps the glare out while maximizing daylight. This eco-conscious design extends to solar panels generating electricity and a rainwater tank feeding toilets and sinks. Inside the Ashburton Library, you’ll find the usual suspects: books, CDs, DVDs, and computers with free internet access. But unlike many other Croydon libraries, this one occupies a single, accessible floor. It’s a testament to Croydon’s commitment to inclusivity. Ashburton Library is more than just bookshelves and computers. It’s a symbol of community rebirth and a commitment to learning, nestled within the heart of the Ashburton Learning Village.