Goodbye Gidea Park Library-Sad Day As Library Closes Its Doors After 60 Years.

“Gidea Park, Harold Wood and South Hornchurch Libraries could have been saved by the HRA Administration and we tried our hardest, presenting petitions, but to no avail,” said Councillor Holt. “It’s the end of an era.”

It was a sad day last Saturday 29th March 2025 when Gidea Park Library closed its doors for the final time, after serving the adults and children in the community for over sixty years. 

The new library building in Balgores Lane was opened on 1st March 1962 by Mr Stephen Hartley, the first Head Master of The Royal Liberty School. Prior to this, there had been a mobile library service in Balgores Square.Generations of parents and children visited Gidea Park Library over the years, to discover the joy of reading and extend their knowledge of the world around them. More recently, a bank of computers was installed to allow residents to work quietly, plus community groups of all ages, from Baby Bounce to Knit and Natter, met at the library.

Councillor Judith Holt, Conservative Councillor for St. Alban’s Ward, called in on Friday to say good-bye and thank-you to Mrs. Val Brice and the other librarians, taking them some flowers, chocolates and a card. It is hoped the mural around the skylight will be removed and retained. “Gidea Park, Harold Wood and South Hornchurch Libraries could have been saved by the HRA Administration and we tried our hardest, presenting petitions, but to no avail,” said Councillor Holt. “It’s the end of an era.”

Councillor Judith Holt at Gidea Park Library saying goodbye.

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