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Service Update (21/1/2026): Shortlands Library is closed due to essential maintenance.
Shortlands library will be closed for an extended period, for further information please visit the London Borough of Bromley press release. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

Loans issued at Shortlands Library have had their return dates automatically extended, however you are welcome to return your items or borrow something new from any Bromley Library during this period. The nearest available libraries are Beckenham Library or Bromley Central Library. Please check their respective opening times before setting out to avoid disappointment.

For general enquiries please contact Bromley Central Library on 020 3931 0900. 

The Shortlands Library team will be delivering activities in the Choir Vestry at St. Mary's Church Hall, Kingswood Road, Shortlands, BR2 0HG.
 
Mondays starting 2nd February 
 
9.45-10.45 Stay & Play - Children of all ages are welcome to join us for stories, crafts & more
 
11.30-12.30 Tea & Talk - A chance to chat with library staff and friends of Shortlands Library whilst enjoying free refreshments
 
 Email: Shortlands.library@gll.org for more information
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Facilities and services

Our facilities

Printing

Black and white and colour printing is available for a small fee. Print in A4 or A3 from our computers or your own laptop.

Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the library. You can log in on your phone, tablet or laptop. 

Charging points

We have plenty of charging points and sockets so you can charge your laptop, phone or tablet at your library.

Parking

At Shortlands Library, we have limited free parking spaces, including accessible parking. There is also paid street parking.

New to Shortlands Library

Find more books and resources in our library catalogue Go to catalogue

Featured skills courses

Cisco networking academy

Improve your IT skills with these free, online courses. Master the basics as you complete sessions at your own pace.
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Theory test pro

Pass your driving theory test first time with this free resource. Practice with a full bank of official questions licensed from the DSA.

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English conversation groups

If you're learning English for the first time, you can work on your speaking skills in these supportive, informal conversation groups.

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FutureLearn

With courses from leading universities around the world, you can learn a new skill one step at a time.
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Learn my way

Improve your IT skills with this do-it-yourself course, supported by our friendly library staff.  
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Learning and research

From historical archives to reference tools, discover learning and research resources at Shortlands Library.

Newspaper records

Discover digital newspaper archives from major publications including The Times and the Financial Times.

Ancestry tools

Dive into the past and trace your family tree using free ancestry tools such as Find My Past and Who’s Who and Who Was Who. 

Oxford reference resources

Access a range of reference tools online including Oxford Dictionaries and Oxford Bibliographies.

Britannica online

As a library member, you can access the adult, junior or student edition of Britannica Online for free. 

Explore more facilities and services in Bromley

Find out about more facilities and services on offer at Shortlands Library and within Bromley. 

Workspaces and Facilities

From meeting rooms for hire to study areas, discover our library workspaces.

Home library service

 If you can't make it to your local library, you can still take out books using our Home Library service.