I can't remember the last time I set foot into a library. But today seemed like a good day for…read morereading so when I found my nearest book repository wasn't far off (and open today) I figured I'd go have a nosey. Obtaining a library card was pretty easy. I gazed at the librarian's massively Sellotaped glasses whilst she reviewed my bank statement (proof of address) and typed my details into a prehistoric desktop computer. A few minutes later I had my card and began browsing. Amidst the folks sleeping in armchairs and studying at tables I spotted a small but surprising selection of titles. Overall though, the goods here are a little thin. Also, the Holborn Library could really do with some good curation. Besides the new arrivals shelf, most of the rest of the selection seemed a bit haphazardly placed. The building itself is rather depressing, is in need of a proper tidy, and most of the patrons do little to improve the atmosphere with their mostly down trodden stares. I ended up borrowing three titles and was amazed at how far technology has come: I was able to check my own books out with a simple swipe of my card. The self check-out bit might be Holborn Library's most redeeming quality.

I used to like studying in this library because it is relatively quiet...as the kid section is…read moreaway, in the basement of the library. However they recently moved the tables around such that it is now impossible to plug my laptop. Toilets are in the basement and very stinky.

The Charing Cross Library is on the intersection between Covent Garden, Chinatown and Trafalgar…read moreSquare. It is part of the borough of Westminster and so open its residents, though you can request books for other libraries. The entrance to the building is quite discreet. The library itself is arranged across two floors. On the ground floor are books and DVDs. On the first floor are more books and the computers. The library has a decent fiction section and is notable for its large selection of Chinese language books. Charing Cross library is a small place but does a good job in trying to serve the interests of its community. It is worth visiting, particularly if you are looking for a Chinese language reading book.

This is my local library at work. What distinguishes this library from others is that it stocks a…read morehuge selection of books in Chinese. It also has a lot of manga/comic books, although these are in English and not in Chinese (unfortunately for me, because I am used to reading them in Chinese! Japanese translates better into Chinese than English!) There are two floors, a good selection of books, and they even sort the books into newly arrived, books you should read etc. near the door which I appreciate very much when I am just browsing for a new author. There are computer desks upstairs for use, and mainly reference books and language books there. Stocked downstairs are the Chinese books, Sci Fi/Fantasy/Crime and Children's books. The staff are quite nice and helpful in general, some staff can speak Chinese, of which I'm sure the Chinese community are very appreciative. The book reservation service is also very efficient. They sort it by name and stack the reserved books on a shelf so you can use the self check-out to borrow books. Yes, they have state of the art machines there, doesn't that make you just want to come and visit?

I really wanted to like this little library tucked away behind Leicester Square that is open to the…read morepublic and has free wifi, but my days of having access to the greatest academic libraries in London has quite obviously turned me into a snob. It's in a pretty and historic building; it has reasonably comfortable seating; it has free wifi; its location is tops, but its reference books aren't of any use to me and it only has one toilet. Really? I mean, really? Just one toilet? This is inconvenient, especially as some people come to the free reference library JUST to use the toilet. They should just rename the place Free-Public-Toilet Library.

An excellent reference library they also have play readings…read morehere & I get my free copy of West End Extra here too

Everyday the library works hard to keep you and your private information safe and secure by…read morepreventing unauthorized access to your personal profile. Why would you want be anywhere else? Today, I visit the library to observe the events seminar, however, it isn't ready. Such is life!

I came here on a whim in search of a good place to bunker down and get some work done. I am not a…read moremember of this library but they have a good selection of books, movies, and CDs that I was impressed by...it made me want to join the library membership program. There were very large tables on the second floor that had plenty of space to spread out your stuff. The room was fairly quiet and there was a variety of open seats and tables. The room got a good deal of light and the courtyard outside is very beautiful. I would definitely recommend checking out this place.

I haven't been a member of a library for quite sometime, and I managed to forget the incredible…read moreamount of free things that comes with being one. I have frequented Hackney Library ever since becoming a member a few months ago. First of all, free films!!! Amazing!! The only problem is that the collection of decent films will only keep you going for a couple of months. The library is probably the only interaction I have with c.d.'s in this technological age. They are free to hire and there is actually some really good stuff. If the c.d.'s and books have not been there for a certain amount of time then you have to pay a small amount to hire them. The book collection is huge and diverse, and the abundance of computers are free to use. There is also scanning and printing available. I can't believe I neglected the library for so many years.

I remember when this library was nothing special, but since they done up the building, this is…read morereally a nice and modern library. Almost feels like a book store. They have a great selection of books and an impressive selection of DVDs to rent. This may no longer be my local area, but I still have my Hackney library card!

This is a great little library right in the heart of South Harrow Shopping Centre and close to a…read morebus stop. There is a disabled access to the library and automatic doors. Just inside is the comfy area with armchairs. Here you can sit and read a newspaper or flick through one of the many books. It's possible to use the internet free of charge although you usually have to reserve a computer in advance . However , I have managed to walk in off the street and get to go on the internet in between users. Even though this is a small library it has a good selection of books including large print and audio books. The children section is delightful and offers a lovely selection. Best of all it's free of charge.

As the closest library to my house, this is a decent library...I mean IDEA STORE. I'm still…read moredeciding whether the decision to re-brand the Tower Hamlet libraries was a clever move or a confused one. Anyway, they have a good selection of books at this location, some DVDs, some computers (but don't count on getting one unless you get there early and sign up in advance even earlier.) Not a great place to study (but apparently, a popular place to eat your lunch for lots of folk, which I think is odd) unless you can snag one of the Learning Labs when they're not being used for knitting classes and the like. I guess one benefit of the IDEA 'STORE' aspect is if you check out a bunch of books, they give you a bag like you've bought something, and for a minute you don't feel like a broke student but like you've just scored some Waterstone best sellers. (Then you reach into the bag and realize the 'New Mediterranean Cookbook' was actually new in 1993.) The best part though, is the online catalogue and the ability to request other books from other libraries to have them shipped to any location. Now that's a brilliant IDEA. Ok, for that I will bump up to 4 stars.

One of the newer Ideas stores in Tower Hamlets, plush and modern on entering, Chrisp St has a large…read morecomputer room on the ground floor, for library card holders to spend a free hour on the internet or word processing. Upstairs is a large collection of books, DVDs, and CDs, as well as free wi-fi access for those with laptops. There are long tables to study on, desks with power plugs for laptops, and the latest newspapers spread across the tables. Feel free to roam on your own because the staff don't use much effort to help you out.

This library isnt as big as hornsey library but just as good. It has one floor but is still split…read moreinto certain sections. It is more of a family library. There are different events at weekends such as, designing cards, coffee mornings, get togethers and things like that. This library is just down the same road as me which makes it reachable. It has easy wheelchair access and is a great place to socialize. They sell DVDs, Cds and videos too. There are things for babies to like singing nursery rhymes. There are computers for children and adults. This library is great.