Headingley Library is a great established in this buzzing little community. With great…read moreestablishments like this Headingley truly does seem to operate as an almost independent mini city in its own right - you can hardly want for anything - with all the cafes, restaurants, shops, grocers and even a library. The library is central and situated within the heart of Headingley, so it's really easy to find. The books there are plentiful, although it's not quite as big as the central library in Leeds, you shouldn't struggle too much in finding what you want - certainly if you're browsing for pleasure there is a huge amount to choose from. They also have great local community boards and so it's well worth nipping in just to see what events and offerings are going on near by! A brilliant and essential part of Headingley life. Fab!

I like Headingley library, despite its 1960s drab exterior. The staff are helpful and don't mind…read morethat I get scared when I use the fancy new scanning machines that seem never to work properly on my books. There's a relatively large PC area where people can use the internet or do work and print stuff out (I think it's 40p for the first page and then I can't remember what it is after that). There's also a great selection of fictional novels, but the horror and sci fi are pretty small. Also there's quite a lot of books about cowboys, which I don't get Lots of new DVDs to rent for a week at a time, plus CDs for those that still use them. My best library. Apart from the one in town, which is prettier. But I still like this one. It's my best.

Sowerby Bridge Library is rather nice. It is on the ground floor of a lovely old building, very…read moreeasy to get to (just next to the swimming baths) and it has disabled access. It is quite a large building for a small town, so is able to carry a good selection of books. The range is quite standard - reference, non-fiction, fiction and childrens. The same staff have worked there for as long as I can remember and they are very knowledgeable, efficient and helpful. They are always happy to check stock and order books in for you. They also have a good dvd rental range, and free internet access for members. Although libraries are getting less and less used nowadays as more people have their own internet access, this branch is usually quite busy.

Thsi place is great! Staff are friendly and helpful. Due to its size the amount of books isnt…read moremassive but its still worth popping in, I always get something on my visits and the internet access if a bonus. Lovely building too !

I refuse to pretend that I have any knowledge whatsoever about the game of chess. I once watched a…read moredocumentary about an eight-year-old Chinese girl who was humiliating scores of adults on a global scale, by mercilessly beating them. Unfortunately, I did not glean any tips from the programme, such was the speed of her moves. My Mam did attempt to teach me the rules one rainy afternoon when I was a child, but I soon lost interest, and the headache inducing Hungry Hippos made a return to the table. During the Summer months, the huge chess boards which are painted onto the ground, are often in demand. The novelty sized chess pieces make the game more visually interesting, and a large crowd is often attracted to the commotion. The characters who participate are a varied mixture of people, young and old. There is a lovely communal atmosphere to the proceedings, with strangers often engaging in a game together. Thus far, I have only been a spectator of the sport. I do not think I would be very well received if I sauntered over to the boards and casually challenged these earnest, mathematical types to a Hungry Hippos tournament. I'll just watch.

Ok, I love a good library, so I'm already biased. Really, this isn't quite what I'd count as a…read more"good" library. When I think of a good library I think of a huge library packed with more books than a person could ever hope to read. This library (at least in this location, it's possible it's spread across other buildings) does not have endless books. It has books, but it focusses on a few, small-ish sections with only a couple of themes, the most extensive of which seems to be the arts section. That makes sense, the library is housed in the same building as the art gallery (closed for work on the roof in 2016, to reopen in 2017 some time). Still, it would be nice if more options were available, but this isn't the place to go pick up the latest best seller or to find the book you need to help you finish your essay. So why is this a five star review? Because of the building. Even without being able to explore the art gallery half of it, it is incredibly beautiful inside. It's a grade II listed building that was constructed between 1878 and 1884. It's all arch ways and vaulted ceilings, the marble staircases are framed with sculptures of dogs fighting, begging and guarding the books. Beautiful tiles line the floors and walls, giving a slightly Turkish effect and exploring all of this is a real treat even if you've never really been all that fussed about books. The Leeds tapestries are also on display here, a modern series of tapestries celebrating the city and deserving of study. There's a cafe on the ground floor which looks and smells very good and is certainly popular. There's also a gift shop and with a slightly more specialised shop attached, selling paintings, sculptures and jewellery by local artists. Across several of the floors are spaces for study and learning. Don't go in expecting to borrow any book you can imagine (unless you want art books or books on family history). Go in to explore the beautiful architecture. It really is something special.

Not nearly as grand as its bigger, cooler brother, the Leeds Central Library, the Burley Library…read moresimilarly lacks any of the special touches that make it more than just a place to get books. There are no special events, no huge collections of DVDs and CDs and no trendy rooms filled with computers and graphic novels aimed at bringing in the younger generation. What there is, however, is books; thousands of them, mostly fiction, all arranged in a chaotic fashion which makes little sense but makes browsing interesting. Because they're not distracted by hosting launches or teaching web design, the staff here seem to actually know a fair bit about books, too. The choice isn't as large as at some other libraries, but it's a handy resource for those who live nearby and don't want to trek into town.

Poor Burley Library. It's covered in graffiti, and stuck next to a dilapidated old warehouse, also…read morecovered in graffiti, and it doesn't open until 11am or something, so nobody ever goes there. The sad thing is, the building is beautiful. All polished dark wood and high ceilings, but the weird entry system does my nut in. Do I go in the left or right? Why is that woman not letting me get past? Do I have to get my hand stamped or something? Not a great selection of books, although I was after a Paul McKenna self-help one once (yup, it's true), and Headingley didn't have it but this one did. I couldn't find it when I got there, like, because the layout doesn't make sense, and there were four scratty looking kids chucking pens all over the floor. I know it's not a great library, but the staff could do with a bit of cheering up. I mentioned that I was glad they don't have that new scanny self-issue machine like at Headingley, and the guy said 'No , we'll prolly be getting closed down anyway' all sad like. Maybe do something productive to make the library nicer, eh? Then people would come! And get some books! Rant over.

If you want to know the history of the old town of Stalybridge then the library is one place on…read moreyour list. Originally known as Astley Cheethams Library, it stocks old newspapers and history books about the town. One of the grandest buildings in Stalybridge, it itself is steeped in history, so why not go down and have a look. You can research old lords and ladies and even read up on the cotton industry in the nineteenth century that dominated Stalybridge and other neighbouring towns. The library also houses the locals art gallery which has permanent fixtures as well as fresh exhibitions. The library is great for local schools to visit and spend a few hours learning more about the town they live in as well as participating in the gallery exhibition. Go and see a magnificent building and learn something while you are there!

All libraries should be like this. I almost wish they didn't have a computer room now. Some things…read moreshould stay just as they were. The building is gorgeous and most importantly OLD and those swingy things that they use to count people in and out really do bring back memories of my childhood. For a public library, they have a really good selection of fiction with a cute kid's section. They also have a pretty respectable lot of records and newspaper archives where you can pretend to pay detective or something. The Astley Cheethams gallery (one of a surprisingly large number in the area) has a good amount of old school watercolours and the room itself, which is upstairs from the library itself, is really dark and moody. They usually have a few choice items for sale as well - I wouldnt really call it a gift shop but you know what I mean..

I give this library four stars because it's the kind of library I like - your mileage may vary…read more It's as old-fashioned as libraries get now they've all been overhauled (i.e. not very really). But it has a nice romance section, good large print provision, and though it has 'puter access and an audio-visual section, they're not the all-singing all-dancing type that seems to threaten to push the books out of the building altogether in some bigger libraries. The place is tiny, but the seats are comfortable, the papers are up-to-date and the staff are pleasant. It does exactly what a library is supposed to do and fulfills all the functions you could require of it. What more could you ask?

Small local library. Resonable selection of books and jigsaws. About 10 computers for internet…read moreaccess. Offers printing facilities and photocopying. Staff have always been helpful and let the kids stamp their own books.

Great little library situated in the centre of Bramley. The stock a really good range of books for…read morethe size of the building. They also have computers which you can use for the internet and word processing etc. They have papers delivered everyday so you can always go and sit in the chairs and read the paper if it takes your fancy! The staff are nice and friendly and will help you find what book you are looking (Even if you don't know the name or author of the book!).

my daughter loves visiting this library. it's everything 'bellytimber' said & more for the kids…read more they hold little story time events in the holidays, my daughter went to an easter one where they told stories & did easter themed crafts & games. then she realy enjoied hearing some animal themed stories another time & meeting the real life versions, she met butterflies & held ginie pigs & a snake. my daughter is 9 & there were older & younger , even toddlers there & the staff are well able to involve all ages. over 8's can stay on their own but parents are welcome to stay & join in it's better fun that way. just look out for the posters in the library & other local libraries.

For a little place, this library has never failed me. What they don't have, the staff are very…read moreaccomodating, showing you where to go or getting a book in for you. The library itself is up some stairs so make sure you enter from the front if you are in a wheel chair so you can go up the lift. There are 8 computers for access to the internet & printing. These are as quick as you could wish for & do the job fantastically.