Our History

In its early years, the library operated very differently from today. Borrowing was recorded manually as books were stamped on a slip in the inside book cover with their due return dates and an in-house system of index cards were used to keep track of loans. There was certainly no electronic scanning of barcodes as happens today. However, the attractive original wooden bookshelves still adorn the walls of the building!

The Beginnings

The history of Tattenhams Community Library is closely tied to the post war growth of Tattenham Corner as a residential area with the accompanying increase in population and the development of new schools and latterly, the determination of local residents to preserve their much-loved local library.

The Threat of Closure

Tattenhams Library officially opened on 18 May 1961. Before the purpose-built library opened, a limited library service had been provided from St Mark's Church Hall. The new branch was established to serve the growing population of the area, including the needs of the new schools and was hence promoted as an important local centre for study & learning.

Around 2010–2012 Surrey County Council, facing the prospect of meaningful financial strain, undertook a consultation which considered either closing small local libraries or looking at ways where local communities could take on more responsibility for their local libraries. Tattenham residents rose to the challenge and responded enthusiastically.

In November 2012, Tattenham Community Library was formally established as a volunteer run library. Under the terms of the Agreement, Surrey County Council retained responsibility for the building and library stock, while local residents took responsibility for staffing and the day-to-day running of the library. Initially around 60 volunteers were trained in library procedures and that continues to this day.

The Library Today

The community model has proved remarkably successful. Rather than simply being a place to borrow books, the library has become an important community meeting place and local resource.

Volunteers provide the normal library services, while the library volunteers also run crafting activities for local children during the school holidays, run Rhyme Time for younger children on Monday, run a monthly Lego club and run the annual Summer Reading Challenge to name but a few. The premises are also offered to other local groups and charities to use when the library is closed.

As of 2026, Tattenhams Community Library remains a very successful part of Surrey's network of community run libraries. Tattenhams has a history stretching back to 1961 and it has not only survived proposed closure but positively thrived because local residents valued it enough to campaign for it, and since 2012 it has been an example of a successful partnership between Surrey County Council and the local community.

Thank you to Banstead History for providing the photos of the 1961 opening of the library. Visit bansteadhistory.com