of the building. The front part of the building has the ground floor entrance level, which houses the reception, and the second floor which houses the children's library (formerly a general reading room). The rear of the building has the basement, first and third floors. The levels are offset so that the floors in the front and rear of the building appear like mezzanine levels to each other. There is a lift serving all five floors. South Norwood Library has been part of Open House London in 2021, which was organised by the Brutalist Library Campaign, and was featured in the must-see buildings of Open House London alongside 10 Downing Street and City Hall, London (Southwark). Edwin Heathcote, the Financial Times's architecture critic picked South Norwood Library as one of six places to see during the Open House London Festival 2021. The Architects' Journal also included South Norwood Library as one of their highlights of Open House London 2021. The building style has had praise from architecture experts, such as Bridget Cherry who enjoyed its opening saying it had "quite an impact in the street", art writer Javier Pes called it "the rough diamond of Norwood" whilst Brutalist historian Dr Barnabas Calder described the building as neighbourly and respectful. Services Services available at South Norwood Library include Books & CDs for reference and loan at the reception area. There is a children's library on the second floor. Other services include: Enquiry service Free access to PCs including the internet Black and white photocopier Books in community languages Newspapers and periodicals Community information Reading groups 8 study spaces The need for computer use is particularly high at South Norwood Library, with only the central library in Croydon busier in the borough. The library has had special one off events over the years such as author visits from Jamie Rix (in June 2001) and Jeremy Strong (in November 2001). At present the library is open two days a week. See also Tabener House South Norwood Recreation Ground South Norwood Leisure Centre Norwood Junction railway station References External links South Norwood Library Friends of South Norwood Library What's on in London Libraries https://brutalistlibraryse25.org/heritage Libraries in the London Borough of Croydon Public libraries in London