Morden Library is temporarily moving to Morden Baptist Church, just over the road from the Civic Centre.
The temporary site will still offer most core library services – including free exercise classes, IT access, study space, children’s activities and a selected range of books.
The library is expected to operate at this new temporary site between 13 January and late June 2026.
The move is necessary because loud and disruptive building work will be taking place at Merton Council Civic Centre, where the library is located. No other council services at the Civic Centre will be significantly affected.
Why is this happening?
Merton Council is installing new heating and cooling systems across all 14 floors of the building. This is because current systems are out of date, and need to be replaced. Morden Library is located on the ground floor of the building.
The next phase of this work involves loud localised noise, which would unfortunately be highly disruptive for people using the library.
To avoid a full closure, the council explored a range of alternative venues locally.
Morden Baptist Church hall was found to be the most suitable because it has a private entrance and enough space to keep most services running.
Making this temporary change will also help ensure that the building work is done as quickly as possible. Once up and running, the newly installed systems will make the Civic Centre and Morden Library significantly more environmentally friendly.
Can I still borrow books?
Yes. However, because the temporary space is smaller, there will be less stock.
A selected range of books will be made available from across departments, and residents are encouraged to use other libraries across the borough and our online services, including eBooks, eAudio and digital resources.
You will still be able to reserve stock and if another Merton library has the book you want, it can be transferred to the temporary library within 2-3 days.
Can I still get online and study from the library?
es, you will still be able to use public computers and IT services, including black and white printing.
Please keep in mind that there will be less study space and fewer facilities overall than at the main library.
What are the opening times at the new site?
The temporary library will operate:
- Tuesday to Friday 9.30am – 7pm
- Saturdays 9.30am – 5pm
On Mondays, residents can visit other borough libraries or use online services, including digital lending and information resources.
Will all the usual events, activities and group bookings all go ahead?
Where possible, selected activities – including Storytimes, Rhymetimes and fitness sessions such as yoga, Pilates and body conditioning. – will continue at Morden Baptist Church or at alternative venues. As well as the private room, we will also be able to use the church hall for activities which need more space.
A weekly timetable on the Merton Libraries website [Events | Libraries | Merton Libraries ] will be kept updated, so you will know what is running in advance of making a journey to the library.
We will contact customers, schools and group organisers directly to discuss options and support them in finding suitable alternatives.
Where is the next nearest alternative library?
The nearest libraries to Morden are:
- Wimbledon Library, 35 Wimbledon Hill Road, Wimbledon, SW19 7NB
Colliers Wood Library, 105-109 High Street, Colliers Wood, SW19 2HR (closed on Wednesdays)