I have been using Cannock library since moving here 5 years ago. At first it was very inviting with…read morehappy smiling and helpful staff. In recent times the library has been modernised with self service machines and fewer staff and in my opinion this is not a progressive move for the library. The few staff that are left spend their time chatting to each other without regard for library users and no longer give the impression that they are there to help. The books are not returned to the shelves correctly and often the alphabet restarts some way along which is annoying. The self service machines are shut down early so that staff go home on time and yesterday when my husband and I visited the library we were told that we couldn't access the adult area as they were preparing it for redecoration. I feel that again this could have been done outside library hours and not in library user time. On the whole Cannock library no longer gives a personal service to its users and is not welcoming.

Very friendly staff helped my children to use the library for the first time letting me sit back…read moreand watch. Great choice of children's books and multimedia and computer access upstairs for those who need it. Good opening hours with two late nights and Saturday opening too. Good occasional book sales as well.

great library plenty of choice and parkingread more

Excellent public library with a vast selection of books plus a reasonable range of DVD's and CD's…read more Superb computer suite too. However, more effort could be made to keep the books in some semblance of alphabetical order on the shelves.

This used to be my local library but I didn't visit all that often. I popped in recently and was…read moreastounded by the amount of activities they offer the local community. I'm sure if I still lived in Sheldon I'd be visiting every week. Yes this library still offers all the books, reference material and computers you'd expect but they haven't sat on their laurels and the staff really seem to understand both their current cliental and potential customers. Every Saturday from 2:30pm they offer a board games club followed by a console games exchange. They've understood that loads of people play video games and bring the community together to play swopsies; a genius idea in today's economic climate. Yes they have computers with internet access and even a computer club for those who need extra guidance but the building also has free wi-fi for library card holders - Sheldon Library is the future! They offer a Job Club if you need help with your CVs or job applications and have even extended this to an Enterprise Club. So, if you've had a good business idea and want to turn it into a career then these might be the people to start with.

Every town has a library and Solihull Central Library is the flagship for the borough. Over the…read moreyears the library has expanded in a variety of ways; they even have a theatre! They have information on events (mostly local), council services, education and work, business information and various local and family history. Unlike many other libraries that are local to Solihull, here they have a large amount of computers and a host of books on different subjects. There is pretty much a book for any subject and if there isn't then it's pretty easy to find out where to get the information you want. You can also rent DVDs and CDs. Librarians can be a bit boring and come across negatively and here some of them are no different. However, some of them are very friendly. They are all very helpful though and knowledgeable on everything within the building. I've been to the library theatre a few times and have really enjoyed the shows put on here. Before a show, or in general, I like to go to their cafe where they have some hot and cold snacks. The food can be eaten in or taken away. As the library is in a courtyard you can also enjoy the lovely water feature outside. This is definitely one of the best libraries I've been to in Birmingham.

Solihull Library is modern, spacious, bright, light and a provides a lovely space to read or ponder…read morein. With most of the usual library trappings (you know books, CDs, DVDs, internet) and some extras thrown in. Their local and family history department deserves special merit. They have an excellent children's library. Upstairs is also a public gallery with collections changing on a regular basis. Sadly, Solihull Library isn't what it used to be. They still have a fairly good stock of books and some CDs but the music library isn't what it used to be. There are plenty of DVDs but often they are just the modern rom-coms and nothing much else of note. Finding a member of staff to help you might be your biggest problem. If you are happy to stumble along without any assistance and use a self serve machine to issue and return your own books then this is probably the library for you.

Tucked away up one of the side streets that connect Stirchley and Bournville, Stirchley library is…read morefairly small, with a not-that-massive selection of books and a few internet ready computers. One of the only points of novelty I can find about it is that it seems to have exactly the same frontage as the Selly Oak library (now closed) a few miles up the road. There's not a grand deal to talk about, but here's a couple of points about it that may be of interest to you. A fairly large segment of the books seem to be large print, and the children's section definitely looks like the sort of place that would interest little kids. There's probably not a lot of reason to visit this library if you don't actually live in Stirchley. This is probably down to budgeting issues. However, if you do live in the area, I'm sure this library will forefill your expectations of a local library.

For some reason when I have walked past this library before I have always thought it was closed. It…read morejust does not seem obviously open, unless it is just me being oblivious to the world around me! Anyway, after discovering it was in fact open, I decided to go in and take a look around as I am an avid reader and I like going into libraries as they are usually quiet and have a good selection of books. I noticed there they were a few computers inside, which is always handy if you are out and about but need to check something online or need to use a computer. The library itself is fairly small and they did not seem to have a great selection of books, there were not many staff or indeed members of the public inside, which was a bit sad. Overall, it was a fairly basic library.

Sandwell Central Library is the biggest Libraries in the borough and boasts the largest and most…read morevaried range of stock in the local borough. It is a massive Library to say the least but there is definitely something for everyone at Sandwell Central Library. I have only been here on a small number of occasions and there were times where I did get lost in the Library. However I have enjoyed being here and it is a place where you certainly can get peace and quiet. The Learning Centre at the Library offers free public access to the internet via a large number of computers, study guides and careers information. So if you do need advice about getting on the job ladder, there will be staff at the Library who will be happy to help you out. The latest bestsellers, blockbusters and classic films on DVD, a variety of newspapers and magazines, local and family history books as well as books on CD are some of the items you will find. Sandwell Central Library is worth a visit and there are books for all ages and tastes.

this is a big libary with plenty of choice and internet connetions as wellread more

I honestly thought libraries were meant to be quiet and peaceful so you could study or have serious…read moreplanning or paper work. I didn't realise it's a place where people just meet up to chat away. Staff visitors everywhere. There was even a meeting when I arrived, which is understandable if it's brief, however there was never one peaceful moment.

My local library always welcoming friendly and accommodating and the computer/printing service is…read moreinvaluable to the community.

As Birmingham Central Library closes its doors as we patiently wait for the birth of Birminghams…read morenew library I am constantly on the hunt for librarys that will provide me with the books and resources I need to support my studies. Tower Hill is small, friendly and local and good for families, however they are limited in the times they are open but try the best they can to meet your needs. There is an IT suite, access to a toilet and on road parking outside.

A great local library that has plenty of books in it. The staff are super helpful everytime you…read morevisit. They have a few computers with internet on, a photocopying machine and study area - so everything you would expect and want from a library. Its open everyday except on a Wednesday, and on Tuesday its open until 7pm.