Southwark Heritage Centre & Walworth Library
Council-run library and heritage centre on Walworth Road with a permanent exhibition on the history of Southwark and a space for rotating displays.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Southwark Heritage Centre and Walworth Library opened on Walworth Road in May 2021. It brings a public library and a heritage service together under one roof.
The centre’s permanent exhibition, The Story of Southwark, looks at the borough through the themes of place, people, work and play. It shows local objects from Southwark’s past, among them the only known souvenir of the Surrey Zoological Gardens, which closed in 1862. The council planned to extend the display with contributions from residents so that it tells a current and inclusive story of the borough.
The building also has a space for rotating exhibitions, an event space for about 50 people, a wall celebrating world cultures and a bookable quiet room where electronic devices are not allowed.
Highlights
- Permanent exhibition The Story of Southwark
- Space for rotating local-history displays
- Public library with study spaces and free events for children and adults
- Lift access to all floors
Permanent exhibition
- The Story of Southwark – A permanent exhibition on the history of the borough through the themes of place, people, work and play, with local objects from Southwark’s past.
- Founded
- 2021
- Operated by
- Southwark Council
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
The council does not list an admission charge, and it describes exhibitions at the centre as free to attend.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The building has flat access, a lift to all floors and an accessible toilet. Public computers have screen magnification and audio assistance.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
- Family tours & workshops
The library runs regular sessions for children, including Rhymetime for ages 0 to 4, a baby and toddler session, Chatterbooks for ages 7 to 11, coding and robotics for ages 7 to 18 and a Saturday craft and colouring club for ages 5 and over.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Elephant and Castle station
Elephant and Castle is the nearest Underground and National Rail station. Buses 12, 35, 40, 45, 68, 136, 148, 171, 176, 343, 468 and P5 serve Walworth Road.
Amenities & dining
The library offers about 30 study spaces and rooms for hire.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
Up to 50 guests.
The council lists rooms for hire in the building. At opening in 2021 it described an event space for 50 people and a quiet room, the Faraday Room, that can be booked for meetings or private study.
